NEW BRIDGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20140, 9 January 1940, Page 8

NEW BRIDGE

ERECTION AT OPOUITI CONCRETE STRUCTURE HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS (XpiM'iiil to tile llwultl,) WAIROA. t hix day. An imporlanl singe in the big 'task of bringing Ihe Wairoa-Gisborne seclion of the Napier-Wairoa-Gisbornc, via Tfangai'on, State highway up to the .standard of a first class highway will bo reached to-day, when it is proposed to make a start with the erection of a new bridge across the Wairoa River at Opouiti. This will, be one of the most important jobs in connection with improving the highway as the present wooden structure would be nowhere near adequate for the highway when completed. The new bridge, which will be constructed of reinforced concrete throughout, will have a total length of 316 ft., the deck being 52ft. above water level. The bridge will be constructed on a curve and will have live spans each of approximately (>oft. There will be two traffic lanes, the total distance between the kerbs being 24ft. Work has been proceeding for some time on the formation of the approaches to the bridge with the aid of small scoops and it is reported that this phase of the work is well advanced. Other portions of the highway also are receiving a good deal of attention at present, the programme including the elimination of several corners and improving the grades.

For some time consideration has been given to a proposal to construct a deviation from Opouiti to the Te Reinga Falls, but so far no definite decision has been made. If such a scheme should be adopted it will represent several years’ work and when completed would result in a substantial saving in travelling time, although it would not mean much difference in distance.