Waipara Bridge Renewal

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31134, 10 August 1966, Page 1

Waipara Bridge Renewal

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, August 9.

Though it is admitted that the present old one-lane timb?r bridge on the Main Highway just north of Amberley must be renewed soon, investigations bv the Ministry of Works are still proceeding. and no decision has yet been ms de about the alignment of the new bridge and its approaches. The Minister of Works (Mr Allen) made this reply tonight to an inquiry’ by Mr M A Connelly (Opp.. Riccarton), who asked when the Wa;para river traffic bridge would be repaired or replaced. | “1 have obtained a report from the Director of Road- ' ing" said Mr Allen. “At this stage, a start with construction is programmed for 1967 68 "The National Roads Board ' previously expressed a prefer-

ence for incorporating in the bridge scheme a deviation to the east of the railway line at Waipara. which would eliminate three level-cross-ings and provide a much better alignment than obtainable by remaining on the west side. “This proposal was discussed at a public meeting in Waipara last year, when local opposition was expressed, because of the effect of a by-pass

on the township, and also because of interference with farmland. “Possible alternatives were suggested, and it was agreed that the merits of these would be closely examined. Investigations are still proceeding, and consequently no decision has yet been made.”