UNSAFE BRIDGE AT WINTON

Southland Times, Issue 23826, 25 May 1939, Page 13

UNSAFE BRIDGE AT WINTON

HEAVY TRAFFIC ON ORETI STRUCTURE REPORT PRESENTED BY ENGINEER The necessity for reconditioning or replacing the bridge across the Oreti river at Winton was the subject of a report by the county engineer (Mr G. R. Milward) at yesterday’s meeting Of the Southland County Council. . Mr Milward reported that he had inspected the bridge and had found that it was unsafe for heavy traffic. Considerable expenditure would be necessary within the next year or two if the bridge was to be kept open for firstclass loading—ls tons and under. The total length of the bridge was 420 feet and the weak section was in the centre six spans, where the piles were of kowhai and were in an advanced state of decay. One was actually broken in half. With the exception of 100 feet,; which was rebuilt a few years ago, the decking was very weak. An approximate estimate for reconditioning the bridge would be . £2OOO. This work would probably give an additional life of 15 years, and by that time the beams would be done. In addition to this expenditure it would be necessary to provide a temporary bridge to carry traffic during the reconditioning work, and the estimated cost of this was £5OO. It became a question, therefore, whether it was worth while spending £2500 to make the structure last another 15 years, or whether a new bridge should be considered. A new bridge would be constructed for two-way traffic and an approximate estimate of the cost of a new bridge with approaches would be £ll,OOO. , “Having regard to the immediate future expenditure of the council on constructional works,” Mr Milward added, “I consider the best course would be to recondition the old bridge, subject to the approval of the Main Highways Board, but in the meantime a loading restriction of eight tons maximum weight should be placed on the bridge.” The report was referred to the member for Hie riding and the engineer to confer. MATAURA WATER SUPPLY The county engineer reported that he had discussed the question of the pipe line for the Martaura borough water supply with the borough engineer (Mr E. G. Wilson). The route followed by the line, as affecting county roads, other than parts crossing the road, would be along the Mataura-Waiarikiki highway and extending from _ the borough boundary about 90 chains eastwards. The borough merely proposed to duplicate the present pipe line by the addition of a four-inch main. Levels and depths would be the same as for the existing line. The work was approved, subject to certain conditions.

The trustees in the estate of William Fosbender, New River Ferry, wrote asking that the culvert under the main road to the estate be put in order. It was decided to apply for a grant for the work.

Waitoru Farm Ltd., Wallacetown, applied for permission to put a gate across the road into Waitoru farm, five yards on the south side of the Tomoporakau creek about 10 chains from the end of the metal road.

The application was granted. It was decided to contribute £25, the same amount as last year, to the Southland Progress League.