ALMOST ACROSS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 129, 2 June 1936, Page 14

ALMOST ACROSS

PARE3IATA BRIDGE

PROGRESS OF WORK

Some idea of what the Farcmala Bridge will look like when completed is given by the construction work so far done. Over three-quarters of the massive concrete structure has now been completed, and there only remain about ten more piles and two piers to be placed in position. It is anticipated that the bridge will be open for traffic in two or three months' time. Once the harbour arm is spanned, however, considerable work will be necessary in finishing off the job. A large portion of the decking is now in place, and a start has been made with the construction of the bridge sides and railings. The footway is defined, and the wall separating this from the roadway is being erected.

Very little trouble has been experienced by the pile-drivers, and it is a tribute to their workmanship that not one pile has been shattered during the driving operations. Part of the sea bed consists of hard material, but this will act as a solid base for the piles. A major work still to be done is the raising of the road on the Paremata side to the level of the bridge, and the cutting back of the corner near the approach to the bridge. This work will be undertaken by the Public Works Department, and it will be commenced as soon as possible. The construction work on the mile of road into Plimmerton is now almost completed. Much of the work on the bridge can only be done at low tide, but despite this and the fact that the work has been interrupted by bad weather, good progress has been made.