Waimakariri Bridge

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 6

Waimakariri Bridge

Sir, —I learn with deep concern of plans of the Ministry of Works which will create another hazard in the Waimakariri. To constrict further this danger area by constructing within the stopbanks what are virtually dams at each approach of the new bridge seems incredible folly. Large sums of the ratepayers’ money have been spent to maintain an unimpeded waterway for major floods, only to have these excellent works nullified by M.O.W. engineers. If we, as taxpayers, must be dependent upon a department which is prepared to increase considerably the already high risk from the Waimakariri for a saving of only 1 per cent, of the cost of the whole scheme, then let us have men of vision at the top, competent enough to realise that the river must have full flood flow from stopbank to stopbank at all times to maintain a safety level which is even now only borderline in this area.—Yours, etc., H. J. BARNARD. July 18, 1963.

Sir,—l protest against the proposed length of the new Waimakariri bridge, which is 1320 ft. The river at this point is 1782 ft wide, and at this, the narrowest part of the river, we shall have three bridges in close proximity. Having experienced other major floods, I shudder to think what could happen in the event of a large flood with this bottleneck of three bridges. Residents of the surrounding areas should interest themselves to see that this bridge is built from bank to bank, because they are the people liable to suffer losses in case of severe flooding. I think that the financial losses suffered in the 1957-58 flood would be equal to the cost of the extra length of* the bridge.—Yours, etc., A WET DUCK.

July 16, 1963. [These letters were referred to the District Commissioner of Works, Mr D. B. Dallas, who had no comment to make.]