BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21849, 11 July 1934, Page 12

BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

STRUCTURE AT HAMILTON CONTRACT LET FOR £22,426 COMPLETION IN 18 MONTHS O'ROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Tuesday The tender of the Boose Shipping Company, Limited, of Mercer, of £22,426 was accepted by the -Waikato County Council to-day for the construction of a ferro-concfoto bridge across the Waikato River at Fairfield, Hamilton. The bridge is to comprise three bowstring arches and two land spans, and will bo 457 ft. in length. * The Boose Shipping Company's tendor was the lowest, and has been approved by representatives of all tho contributing bodies concerned. The Public Works Department is to contribute £BOOO toward the cost of the work.

There were 13 tenders, and the prices ranged up to £42,203. Tho estimate was £25,800. It was stated that the tender was for bridge construction only, and that the approaches would bo made a separate contract. It was also stated that the successful tenderers had the plant, means of transport, motal and timber readily available.

Work is to bo put in hand immediately, and 18 months is allowed in which to completo the bridge. Appreciative reference was made by members of the council to tho excellent work done by the engineer, Mr. A. A. Woodward, in connection with the Fairfield Bridge and other major works undertaken by the council during tho last year. Tho council resolved to vote Mr. Woodward a bonus of £SO in recognition of extra services. OLD STRUCTURES DAMAGED BESULT OF HEAVY RAINS [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Tuesday Damage to many of the old bridges in the Waikato County, caused by recent heavy rains, was referred to by the engineer. Mr. A. A. Woodward, in a report to tho Waikato County Council to-day. The council's bridge staff, he said, had been exceptionally busy on repair works. Tho bridge over tho Waikato Biver at tho Narrows, Tama here, which was 56 years old, was showing signs of decay, and it had been necessary to strengthen it. Tho time, however, was rapidly approaching when a now bridge would bo required. Tho bridge is 167 ft. long and 12ft. wide between tho wheel euards. Tho structure is carried on four separate wooden arches. Kauri was used in-its construction, and the bridge is regarded as a standing testimonial to the durability of New Zealand timber.