SLIP NEAR BRIDGE

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1933, Page 5

SLIP NEAR BRIDGE

STRUCTURE IN DANGER

APPROACH UNDERMINED. WARNING TO MOTORISTS. to "Northern Advocate.”) WARKWORTH, This Day. A serious slip on the river bank occurred last night at the southern end of the Warkworth Town Bridge. It carried away a portion of the main highway and undermined the bridge approach. Road traffic has not been blocked, though there is a danger of this if any further slip takes place.

Heavy rain fell during the night, causing the Mahurangi River to flood. Possibly that fact accentuated the erosion taking place at the point. Mr. T. M. Wright, engineer in charge of the Warkworth sub-base of the Public Works Department, made an inspection of the damage early this morning, and until such time as he examines the original plans of the bridge he is unable to decide on the necessary repairs. Probably the repair work will mean the piling of the wing wall or ordinary stone support, and will have to be undertaken almost immediately to prevent any further encroachment on the road surface. A barricade has been erected around the damaged area and motorists are advised to approach the bridge with caution. The bridge is a fcrro-concrete structure, built in 1914, and opened by the late Mr. Massey.