WATERFRONT SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 13

WATERFRONT SCHEME.

CONSTRUCTION OF VIADUCT. GOOD PROGRESS WITH WORK. EMPLOYMENT FOR 64 MEN. The construction of the viaduct which will eventually connect Frince's Wharf with tho Freeman's Bay reclamation is ahead of schedule, and it is expected the eastern section as far as tho lifting span will bo completed next February. It was originally planned that this point should bo reached later, but the Harbour Board's large stock of steel permitted a prompt start with the manufacture. of piles. From these resources 218 piles have been made, and 103 have been driven with the steam plant. A supply of sterl expected this week will enable the work to continue without curtailment.

This section of the viaduct provides for tho driving of a total of MS piles. These are being placed in two rows 120 ft. apart. Tho piles overlap and thus form a solid wall. Between the walls scoria filling is being deposited at tho rate of 300 cubic yards a day. Already 8500 yds. of filling liavo been used and the section will require nearly 50,000 yds. more. The construction of the viaduct is giving employment to 64 men. Tho completed scheme is expected to cost about £130,000, and it will provido a straight road and rail access from Quay Street to the north wall, over a gap of about 800 yds. This shortened route will greatly add to tho value and expediency of the western vehicular landing, and will reduce by over three-quarters of a milo tho sea trip to Birkenhead and Northcot e.

The bucket dredge is engaged in deepening tlie boat harbour at St. Mary's Bay, and tho spoil is being pumped into the western reclamation. This work will continue for another year.