FAREWELL TO OLD BRIDGE

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1936, Page 10

FAREWELL TO OLD BRIDGE

DREDGE ENGAGED IN PULLING

PILES

Whangarei’s new Victoria Bridge is now definitely completed. All work on the modern concrete span across the Hatea River has been accomplished and the big grey structure stands out in bold relief among its marine surroundings. The harbour board’s grab dredge plant has been on the scene for over a week applying the finishing touches. The first task was the removal of the temporary piles under the new span. It was found impossible to draw the piles right out, as the bridge is directly above. However, a strong pull was taken, and each one snapped off below the bed of the river, leaving the channel perfectly safe and free, in fact, just as good as if the piles had been totally extracted.

The stringers on the old bridge have been removed, and now the dredge is engaged in the pulling of the original piles. The first came out last Friday, but the majority were shifted today. One of those was 28 feet in length, but the longest and most difficult to dislodge are those in the centre, supported the swinging apparatus.

Launches berthing in the upper reaches of the river can now proceed down-stream without trouble, . and, within a few days, should have no obstruction to worry them.