Bridge “Sound In Every Way”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32114, 9 October 1969, Page 28

Bridge “Sound In Every Way”

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, October 8.

Allegations about cracking and corrosion in the Auckland Harbour Bridge were wildly inaccurate, mischievous, irresponsible and malicious, according to Sir Gilbert Roberts, of Freeman, Fox and Partners, designer of the bridge extensions.

A statement from Sir Gilbert Roberts, who visited Auckland for the official opening of toe bridge extensions on September 23, was received by toe Harbour Bridge Authority today. While in New Zealand Sir Gilbert Roberts also talked to Ministry of Works engineers who carried out recent investigations. “There is not toe slightest doubt that toe bridge as it stands is in every way structurally sound and will remain so,” he said. Recent statements about the condition of the new bridge steel work were “so wildly inaccurate that it is difficult to take them seriously, except in so far as they are defamatory to the consulting engineers and others responsible for the work.” For instance, said Sir Gilbert Roberts, toe cost of paint work repairs given as slm or even s2m was “so absurd” that any knowledgeable person would suspect confusion between square yards and square feet. Statements about welding were also misleading, he said. The original hair cracks Which caused concern about 18 months ago had been detected and repaired.

In case any were overlooked, three independent experts gave their opinion on the possible effect the cracks “which are very small and widely spaced” might have on toe structure. The experts were unanimous that the cracks would not extend.