Limit On Waiau Bridge Called Unsatisfactory

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 10

Limit On Waiau Bridge Called Unsatisfactory

The Ferry Bridge across Waiau River at Hanmer Springs would probably have a maximum gross loading of 25 tons and would be limited to one heavy vehicle at a time, Mr N. Sutherland, of the Amuri County Council’s consulting engineers, reported to a meeting of the council.

The survey had not been completed and it might be possible to strengthen the bridge, said Mr Sutherland.

“This is not very satisfactory in these days and with the present methods of logging, with operators trying to keep costs down,” said Cr M. F. Uren. The bridge would not, even take a large bulldozer.

It was suggested that if anything happened to the present bridge its replacement would be beyond the resources of the council, unless there was a ‘TOO per cent subsidy.” “Hanmer might have to swim for a bit,” was another comment. “A Bombshell” “This is something of a bombshell,” said Mr F. S. Parris, general manager of McAlpines (Rangiora), Ltd, when asked what effect the additional loading restrictions would have on his firm.

The company draws the bulk of its timber in the form of saw logs from Hanmer Springs and has developed an export market to Australia for some species from Hanmer.

“Any restriction will be detrimental to the landed cost of any timber coming out of Hanmer,” said Mr Parris. The transport operators might have to stockpile at the side of the Ferry Bridge to top up other loads going through to the rail at Culverden.

The restriction would affect also the cost of peeler logs for the plywood industry in Christchurch, said Mr Parris.

Mr S. A. G. Wayland, of McCrackens Transport, Ltd, said that previously transport operators had approached the council in the hope of having the road classification raised to class I. The response had seemed to be favourable, subject to the

bridge’s meeting the requirements.

He had already suggested that interested parties, including the Forest Service, which had a large industry at stake, should meet to see if special financial assistance could be obtained to improve the bridge, said Mr Wayland. A key point was that some of the timber was earning valuable overseas funds.

The company was transporting about 60 tons of logs, peelers, and sawn timber a day, said Mr Wayland. A considerable amount" of other timber, mainly posts and poles, was being taken out by other firms and farmers.

The, “all-up restriction" of 25 tons would prevent loaded trucks and trailers crossing the bridge as a unit, said Mr Wayland. This could apply also to truck and trailer units carrying stock.