WANTED: A NEW BRIDGE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22484, 19 August 1938, Page 9

WANTED: A NEW BRIDGE

♦ Traffic On Road To Sumner METHOD OF CROSSING THE HEATHCOTE In vigorous language, the merits of the Heathcote river bridge on Ferry road, as an adequate structure for the traffic on the road, were discounted by members of the general council of the Automobile Association, Canterbury, last night. The bridge unquestionably could not cope safely with present-day traffic, members agreed unanimously, and a resolution was finally carried asking the City Council to take steps to improve the present position. Among the suggestions made was that of Mr F. W. Freeman that the present bridge be maintained, but with the trams taken off it. A separate trestle bridge for the trams might be put up on the north side. At the moment the bridge was far too narrow, with no provision for pedestrians. The new arrangements, it was suggested, should provide a two-way passage for motor-cars and separate provision for pedestrians and trams. Several local bodies—the City Council, the Sumner Borough Council, the Heathcote County Council, and the Christchurch Tramway Board—were interested in the bridge, said Mr Freer man, and the City Council was in control. That arrangement for the control of the bridge was under a charter which would expire in 1941. The road carried of # Sunday an orderly procession ■ of about 6000 cars, and better facilities were urgently wanted. The road was a State highway, but unfortunately it was not gazetted as such. Perhaps in 1941 the road could be gazetted a State highway, and then local bodies might press for an adequate new bridge. It was stated in the discussion that the City Council was also anxious that the present position be improved, and would welcome the association’s support. The final decision to ask the council to take what steps were necessary to improve the present position was carried unanimously.