NEW TYPE BRIDGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 253, 25 October 1941, Page 8

NEW TYPE BRIDGE

ENGINEERS' TASK

TESTS PROVE SUCCESSFUL

A combination of tubular steel and box girders was used for the first time in New Zealand In the erection of a viaduct type of bridge over a stream on Motion's Road, near Western Springs Park. The work, which was carried out by Nos. 2 and 4 sections of the engineering training company at Avondale Territorial camp, occupied one day and a half.

When a reporter visited the locality this morning the bridge was receiving its first practical test. Designed to carry a load of nine tons, the bridge, when put to the test, bore an approximately weight of 81 tons. Though distributed, the load was made up by a large six-wheeler army truck loaded with troops, while many others stood on the decking. In all there were 80 men on the bridge. For trial purposes the lorry, carrying some 20 men, was subsequently driven across the structure at a speed of about 20 miles an hour.

With a total span of 150 ft and a central span with girders 67ft in length, the bridge received its baptism without showing the slightest sign of movement. Its design is such that it can be erected quickly and dismantled in short time so that it can be taken to another locality. The erection of the bridge was supervised by Captain T. H. Busck and Lieutenant R. G. Howell, and the men who carried out the task did a splendid job.