THE ASHLEY BRIDGE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15715, 7 September 1911, Page 5

THE ASHLEY BRIDGE.

Yesterday Ylr F. W. Marchant, the engineer" of the reinforced concrete bridge in course of erection over the river Ashley, tested the bearing strength of the structure, v.itli eminently satisfactory resuits. The arches have a span of 40ft, and the test was applied to the two first constructed, one fourteen weeks ago and the other twelve weeks ago. The test consisted of the united weight of two traction engines, the pressure then exerted being twenty-four tons under the main wheels standing on the centre of the ■ arch. The first arch at the approach, which is always the weakest in a bridge, did not show a deflection exceeding the hundredth of an inch, and on the next arch there was absolutely no deflection. Considering that the concrete is still very green, and that the spans tested nro min in the pavapets aiul the asphalted roadway which will act as a cushion, the result of the test could not have been more satisfactory. The bridge is an exceptionally good sepcimen of ferroconcrete work, and will be a niassivelooldn'g and liaiidsomo structure when completed. Mr Marchant expressed his admiration of the way in which the contractors, Messrs Hal! Bros., were carrying out theii work, remarking that lie questioned whether a finer piece of ferro-eoncrete work had ever boon done in the dominion. The manipulation of tlie concrete in the boxes is so well done that when the boxinp. is removed a perfectly smooth surfaco is presented, requiring no plastering. At the present time one-half of the bridge is about completed with the exception of the parapet and asphalt roadway, and the perfect lines of the driven concrete piles and superstructure are a sourco of admiration to the many scores of people who make a weekly pilgrimage from

Ttaugiora and the neighbourhood to tlie bridge to make a progress inspection. Tho contractors liavo been considerably hampered by floods in the river, but at the present rate ox progress they should complete their work well within the contract time of two years.