BULLS BRIDGE SUFFERS SERIOUS DAMAGE

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 93, 20 April 1945, Page 4

BULLS BRIDGE SUFFERS SERIOUS DAMAGE

Decking Subsides Through Broken Transom

The replacement of the old wooden bridge over the Raugitikei River at Bulls became imperative at about one o’clock yesterday when the declAig of the structure suddenly subsided with the collapse of oue of the transoms in the centre of the structure. This reflection of the weakness of the bridge realised the fears of those who have an intimate knowledge of its make-up for they have long held the view' that the old bridge had long since passed a condition of absolute reliability and was likely to go at any time. As late as June, 1913, the Manawatu County Council was moved to represent the condition of the bridge to the Public Works Department aud the Main Highways Board, being prompted in this action by the collapse of a span of the Whirokiuo bridge. Council discussed the matter at its meeting in that month and roceived a reply that the condition of the bridge would be investigated by suitable officers of the Department.

Yesterduy’s mishap to the bridge apparently occurred following the passing over the bridge of a number of heavy trucks. During the morning, a motorist who crossed the bridge to Bulls gathered the impression that about halfway ovgr the decking appeared to bo on a slant, but there was nothing very pronounced about it. This motorist gathered the idea that the bridge was not as it should be although he was not convinced that his impression was correct. However, when the transom collapsed during the lunch hour, he recalled his impressions of tlio morning trip and was satisfied that the weakened link in the structure was then giving way. The later heavy traffic apparently proved too much for the timber which was well rotted through and the decking collapsed as the transom gave w ay. *

Information as to the position of the structure was immediately imparted to the Public Works Department aud the Manawatu County Council, while the Automobile Association (Wanganui) took steps to have traffic advised throughout the countryside. The bridge was promptly closed to enable the position to be thoroughly examined. Some temporary repairs may be possible, but there is some doubt as to this and meanwhile traffic is diverted through Fcilfling and via Haleombe-Kakariki and Marton.

The bridge was built in 1902 and opened in 1903. It was built to replace the structure which was washed away in a big flood of 1897. For a while, a punt served to provide a crossing and then a low level bridge was constructed, but this too was washed away and the present structure was then erected at a cost of £11,500, the Manawatu and Raugitikei County Councils sharing the

cost. The Raugitikei County Council became the controlling authority and the County engineer, Mr. S. A. R. Alair, has always kept a close eye on the structure and is perhaps as well informed as to its condition as anyone. In 1928, the local bodies concerned held a conference respecting the condition of the bridge and decided that a new structure was definitely indicated. In the same year the Public Works engineers brought down a report and the Department recommended a new bridge on the site of the present structure. The Rangitikei County Council, however, recommended that the new bridge be erected lower down and provision be made for a new approach. The local bodies also sought a £5 to £1 subsidy, but were not successful and nothing was done beyond repair work. Up to 1929, it was estimated that the total maintenance cost, including river protection work, had amounted to £5506. In that year repairs, estimated to last three years, were carried out. In this work heavy rimu timbers were used to replace old decayed transoms which failed to stand up to any tost. In 1933, the condition of the bridge had so deteriorated that it called for major repairs and again new timbers were employed but the duration of these was doubtful although the Public Works Department appeared to be satisfied. A few years later, the bridge became part of the State highway and its control became vested iu the Public Works Department. The collapse of a span of the Wliirokiuo structure reawakened thoughts as to the safety of the Bulls bridge which then underwent further repairs. This week the work of replacing some of the decayed decking was

completed aud on Wednesday workmen were finishing off the laying of a sealing surface with chips. On Wednesday evening, the surface looked sound and

safe but yesterday’s experience demor strates that the under timbers are dc finitely not secure.

At this month’s meeting of the Manawatu County Council, word was received from the Public Works Department that tenders for the new bridge were about to be called and that the fabrication of some of the steel work was already iu hand. The proposed new bridge is to be approximately 3 76ft. longer than the present bridge and will have a total overall length of approximately 1676 ft.

The A.A. (Wanganui) in conjunction with the A.A. (Manawatu), have arranged for the erection of detour signs and all traffic for the West Coast and north is advised to travel via Feildiug thence to llalcombo and Kakariki and Marton. Traffic from the West Coast travelling south is advised to deviate at Turakina and travel to Marton and thence to Feildiug via Kakariki. ’The bridge will be closed indefinitely. Traffic forced to use the road to Banson will carry straight on into Cemetery road instead of making the turn left at the intersection, the A.A. (Manawatu) advises. Cemetery road leads into Mt. Biggs road and thence to Halcombe and Kakariki. Ohakca residents will proceed towards .Sanson and take Wilsons road which leads to Kakariki.

The closing of this important bridge which provides for one way traffic at what is acknowledged to be the bottleneck of traflic, will prove of considerable inconvenience. Yesterday, Air Force authorities wore obliged to take steps to overcome the closiug of the bridge by establishing in Bulls personnel and equipment to deul with any aircraft crashes on the west of the bridge. The people of Palmerston NorthKairanga district have been asked to raise £12,200 —this is their share of the total required by Patriotic. Funds for 1945. Let’s raise it willingly and quickly, aud back up the good work done by Patriotic Funds in every theatre of war.* RELIEVES IN A FLASH! Betties Lightning Cough Cure for coughs and colds. Its rich, red, fastacting properties strike right at the seat of the trouble expelling phlegm and easing breathing. Sold everywhere, OR WRITE TO THE NATIONAL CHEMIST, GEORGE BETTLE, 769 Colombo Street, Christchurch.