Girders of High Level Bridge Eaten Away

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 6332, 23 December 1949, Page 4

Girders of High Level Bridge Eaten Away

The importance of strictly regarding the 11 ton loading restrictions and speed limitations on the High Level Bridge was emphasised by the engineer, Mr N. R. Sanderson, at Wednesday night’s council meeting. Mr Sanderson produced samples cut from the bridge by Messrs Niven and Company’s employees, who are carrying out repairs to show that fractional stress has been reduced by 80 per cent. Most damage is to the interior of the box girders, which has never been painted, and has badly wasted.

The engineer’s report confirmed what the council had agreed before, said the Mayor, Mr K. L. Wilkinson. A temporary bridge of the Bayly type had been suggested at the foot of Duke Street, so that the High Level Bridge could be fully repaired. However, the Public Works Department, who would be required to meet three-quarters of the cost, had not concurred. “If the bridge falls down, I won’t be surprised,” added Mr Wilkinson. “Three-quarters of the strength is gone, but we cannot do any more.” It was felt the Public Works Department would change its opinion if it saw the samples of worn away \ steel,, and the engineer was instructed to take these through to Hamilton immediately. During the next few days the samples will be on view in Messrs Wilkinson and Co.’s showroom.

Mr Mervyn Wells considered the council should agitate for a new bridge, which at the earliest would take five years to become established. This viewpoint was supported by Mr C. R. Haworth. “It looks as if the life of the bridge is nearing an end,” said the Mayor, adding that the council would have to get busy in the new year. The council decided to warn the public of the danger of exceeding the speed limit and overloading; and to stress the point that not more than one heavy vehicle should be on the bridge at one time. In connection with replacing the decking, the engineer stated that half of the timber was in Wellington and the remainder in Auckland. Bridge decking spikes, had arrived, and although of poor quality, would have to be used. Arrangements were being made with a special gang to commence at dajdight on January 4, and little difficulty with traffic was expected.