NORTHERN HIGHWAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18526, 12 October 1934, Page 4

NORTHERN HIGHWAY

BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS USUAL POLICY FOLLOWED NO UNDUE DELAYS The discussion which took place at, the Waikohu County Council meeting this week, on the condition of bridges within the county boundaries, served to focus attention upon the bridge problem generally, and to remind many motorists and settlers aliko that a good deal remains to be accomplished before even the main highways are fully equipped in the matter of bridges. In this connection, it is comforting to reflect that the Main Highways Board is still following its policy of having regular inspections of existing structures made, and allocating a portion of its revenue to the replacement 4# those which have become obsolete.

Construction of three bridges to •eliminate open fords, between Waikohu and Otoko, on the northern highway, has removed one of the most serious obstacles to ail-the-year travelling op this route, and if there is an urgent problem remaining, it is the question of replacing the nnrrow-guage bridge at Waikohu, a wooden structure which, though safe enough up to a reasonable weight limit, is righly labelled an anachronism. So fast has highways construction and maintenance advanced in recent years, with its accompanying improvement in bridging, that a structure which only 10 years ago was looked upon with satisfaction has now been rendered obsolete! It. is true that the bridge gave some trouble four or five years ago, when a lorry carrying a bulky load caused a collapse at one end of the span, but. repairs were effected, and the bridge has carried an immense amount of traffic since. To-day it is still fairly strong, and is capable of carrying all the traffic on the highway, but it constitutes an eyesore to those who have followed with interest the development of highway policy in this district. It is unlikely that the old suspension will remain for more than a year or two at this site, as replacement is planned for the early future. WAIKOHU ROAD AND RAIL BRIDGE The road-and-rail bridge, at the eastern side of Waiko-'', is another structure concerning wiuch there has been intermittent discussion for years. The. dual purpose of this bridge causes inconvenience at times, and many people feel nervousness when approaching it; but thA actual amount of trouble resulting from the use of the bridge for both forms of transporting inconsiderable. Until railway truffle on tho Gisborne-Motuhora section becomes substantially greater, it is hardly probable that the Main Highways Board or tho local authorities will contemplate a change from the present arrangement. KAITARATAHI BRIDGE Regarding the Kaitaratahi traffic bridge, which is on the tapis for replacement, engineering authorities are convinced that there is no immediate hurry. The bridge was subjected to a searching examination some time ago, when the question of its replacement was first raised, and a considerable amount of money was spent in making repairs. A feature of the old bridge is the excellent workmanship put into its erection, and this has contributed substantially to its length of life and its -present soundness. The close fitting of every joint was noted in the course of the inspection made, and the inspectors agreed that the structure as a whole was a flue example of tho class of timber work carried out in tho middle years of settlement in Poverty Bay. If the money to replace the Kaitaratahi structure is not available for five or six years, the bridge will probably lose none of its efficiency in the meantime, as the piling- as well as tho upper works, is in prime condition. Tho piles are of heart of totara, and for all their long exposure show no trace of unsoundness. There are various smaller structures on tho main highways of this district.to. which attention is being given from time to time, and of these, perhaps that mostin need of replacement is that at Ormond, a narrow bridge which Served its purpose well for many years while traffic moved at slow speeds. To-day this bridge is regarded by many people as a real menace to public safety, and one that could be eliminated without great expense. It is understood that in. due course it is to be replaced by suitable culvert.

The New Plymouth Hospital has been closed to visitors from October 8 to October 15 by order of the medical superintendent. Dr. G.' F. Rich. A short staff and full wards are given as raasoßA