Side Thrust Gauges

Sale of side thrust gauges

ViaStrada looked after the sale of side thrust gauges, on behalf of the IPENZ (now Engineering New Zealand) Transportation Group. The TG group had 50 units custom manufactured but, as of 2015, they decided to not commission another run. All of the 50 specially-manufactured units have been sold. 

About the gauges

The IPENZ Transportation Group purchased a stock of this essential traffic engineering tool for determining curve advisory speeds and ViaStrada Ltd volunteered to manage distribution and hold the stock on their behalf.

The Management Committee of the Transportation Group initiated the manufacture of the side thrust gauges (also called 'ball-bank indicator') when the committee was still based in Christchurch (2003–06). The subsequent Management Committee supported this initiative. Some units were trapped in ViaStrada's former Hereford Street premises following the February 2011 earthquake, but were subsequently recovered. 

The gauges were manufactured by Ludowici Plastics in Christchurch, which we understand is now part of Mulford Plastics. Feel free to contact them regarding any technical queries.

Mike Jackett once advised that the requirement for the ball bearing in the Side Thrust Gauge is a stainless steel 3/16” diameter ball bearing.

Going forward

At the time when Jeanette Ward was chair of the Transportation Group, a quote for a new manufacturing run of the gauges was obtained, and group members surveyed. There was insufficient interest at that time. If individuals are interested, a single unit would cost about $1000 to manufacture. These days, mobile phones can do the same thing as a side thrust gauge and record speed, sideways acceleration, and more all at once with a free app; search for "Ballbank".

If you have any queries, please direct them to the chair of the Transportation Group.