OLD FITZHERBERT BRIDGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 195, 17 July 1935, Page 6

OLD FITZHERBERT BRIDGE.

CLOSING NEXT MONDAY. Now nearing tho end of its very useful life of nearly sixty years, the old Fitzherbert bridge across the Manawatu River is to be closed to traffic on Monday. The new structure alongside will then be in use, and it is necessary to divert traffic over this as soon as possible in order that certain finishing work may bo undertaken. This consists of the construction of a curved wing wall over 100 ft long which will cross part of the approach to the old bridge. The concrete wall o,f the Esplanade frontage on tho other side of the road has been strengthened and raised over the final 112 ft to the bridge, where a sloping ramp has been built for the approach. This will be allowed to consolidate before a sealing dressing is applied. Meanwhile a cold surfacing emulsion li inches thick has been applied to the concrete decking of th© new bridge, and- it was anticipated that W'Oidd be finished . to-day, making everything in readiness for the official opening on Saturday. Sealing of the road approach on the southern (county) side of the new bridge will not be undertaken for some time, when the formation will have settled. Traffic for the Tiritea Road and l'ahiatua, after crossing the bridge, will turn off the new formation opposite the small roadway leading into Anzac Park, and then follow the old route.

The new 21in. bitumen-lined iron water mains have been laid half-way across the new bridge, but this work is now held up pending completion of tlie road approach at the city end. Telegraph mains are to be carried in two 3in. conduits alongside tho water pipe.