GRAFTON BRIDGE TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20156, 17 January 1929, Page 14

GRAFTON BRIDGE TRAFFIC.

Sir.—l am afraid that the suggestion, put forward by Mr. Robert H. McCalluin with reference to bettering traffic conditions 011 Grafton Bridge by restricting the bridge to mechanically-propelled vehicles, would, on brief investigation, be considered impracticable. By closing the bridge to horse-drawn vehicles we would be practically demanding drivers of horses to use Grafton Boad, which, as a long and steep hill, is one of the worst in New Zealand. One wonders vaguely—it is » hideously mechanical age when people want right of way from that that has served us so well and faithfully in the past. Alfred H, Marsack.

Sir, —The suggestion of placing a footpath in the centre of Grafton Bridge would raise the ire of all pedestrians. A footpath at each side does give them a chance of crossing without too much splashing, but a narrow footpath with motors on both sides of them would considerably increase the trouble. However good the surface is there always will be water lying about, and with wide balloon tyres a good deal of splashing will occur. 1* am of the same opinion as your correspondent, Mr. R. H. McCallum, that horse traffic should be prohibited, as it certainlv lessens the pace and causes congestion." Henry K. Clayton.

Sir,—Having followed with interest the various suggestions for traffic impro%-e----rnent over Grafton Bridge, I desire to make a contribution. My idea is to build an upper deck for pedestrian use, leaving the whole of the present level to wheeled traffic. For lightness the decking could be of wood after the manner of ships' decks, supported by strong, light ironwork. It would onlv bo necessary to provide for footways a little wider 'than the present ones, "leaving centre open. Pedestrian approaches would be by means of stairways on each side at both ends of the bridge. As an embellishment an Eiffel Tower-like construction could be erected at Symonds Street end, under which both classes of traffic would pass. This might be made a handsome and dignified memorial to our first Governor. Hobson, whose remains lie close by. These and other details need not be enlarged on for the present. Phoenix.