PIPIROA BRIDGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32938, 17 December 1947, Page 7

PIPIROA BRIDGE

QUESTION OF TENDERS PLANS NOW COMPLETED ADVICE TO COUNTY COUNCIL “ Very satisfactory ” was the comment of Hauraki Plains County councillors when, at the December meeting bf the council in Ngatea they received a letter from the District Commissioner’ of Works, Mr R. H. Packwood, concerning the Pipiroa bridge. Mr Packwood answered the council’s request for information regarding the delay in starting' the bridge building.

“ The cessation of shipping services called for reconsideration of design, including elimination of the lifting span and revision of the navigational clearances of the fixed spans,” he wrote..

“ The design is for a bridge of 17 spans, each of 45 feet (765 feet overall), supported on long pipes on difficult foundations. Neither steel contractors could have been made available for a work of this magnitude except by deferring works of greater urgency. However, the supply of both shows signs of improvement.

“ A sum to cover initial work has been provided in the current highways estimates, and it is expected that the driving of test piles can be undertaken shortly.

“ The Main Highways Board is conversant with the circumstances, and recognises the desirability of eliminating the ferry as soon as possible.” Mr Packwood thought that no good purpose would be served by sending a deputation to the Minister of Works at this stage. He would endeavour to get a firm date set for the calling of tenders.