HARBOUR BRIDGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 93, 11 July 1927, Page 1

HARBOUR BRIDGE

TO COST £1,018,000 CITY TO NORTHCOTE 2\ MILES WELLINGTON PLAN An imposing bridge from a point near Western Wharf to Stokes Point, Northcote, would cost £1,018,000, the annual charge—spread over a period of 45 years—being £59,873. This is the estimate of Messrs. Hoigate and Luke, civil engineers, of Wellington, who state that the structure would be an economic proposition. The site chosen gave the shortest crossing over deep water, and would not interfere with harbour development or the passage of large ships. The total length of the bridge would be 5,714 feet, a little over a mile, and the actual length of the crossing, including the approaches, would be 7.149 feet. The distance from the city to Northcote by the bridge would be two and a-quarter miles, and to the Devonport wharf six miles. CONCRETE ARCHES Seventeen concrete arches, nin" with a span of 176 feet each, and eight with a span of 96 feet, and 11 steel spans, would be erected. The navigation channel span would give clear head-room of 120 feet above highwater level, sufficient, it was thought for steamers going to the Chelsea sugar works. The bridge would have a 3Sft concrete roadway, two tram tracks, and two sidewalks. There would be sufficient 'room for four vehicles abreast. It was thought that a suitable bearing for the foundations might be obtained 40 feet below the ground in the deep water channel. A curve on the Auckland embankment approach would bring the roadway to Fansliawe Street, and an earth embankment should be built across Shoal Bay to give access to Devonport.