QTY BRIDGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 114, 17 May 1933, Page 6

QTY BRIDGES

REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY REPORT BY THE ENGINEER. “I have brought forward in my reports and estimates for several years past, the matter of painting and reconditioning both the town and Dublin St. bridges,” stated the annual report of the city engineer (Mr. J S. L. Deem) now before the City Council. “The monies which have been voted in the estimates for this purpose have meen diverted from time to time to the relief of unemployment. The matter cannot be further delayed without seriously affecting the bridges. The Town Bridge. “It is true that a start was made with the town bridge during the past financial year, but closer investigation as a result of the work already carried out_ only goes to emphasise the necessity for action. The hardwood abutment which has done service at the Taylorville Bank end since erected in 1869. some 64 years ago. has been replaced with a reinforced concrete retaining wall. A start has also been made at the Taylorville end in chipping and priming the under-structure of the bridge itself, two spans being now practically completed. The investigation has shown that considerable strengthening of the lower chords is necessary, and designs are therefore being prepared. Dublin St. Bridge. “The Dublin St. bridge is in a far better condition. The principal work, other than that of painting, is the relaying of the tram track and re-surfac-ing of the bridge deck. The deck is constructed of steel troughing filled, for lightness sake, with coke breeze concrete, and surfaced with wood blocks. The water is now percolating through the coke breezp concrete carrying with it certain chemicals which are having a deleterious effect on the steel. Proposals involving the renewal of thn tram track and the sealing of the whole surface are being formulated. Other Bridges. “Most of the minor bridges, with the exception of the Anzac Parade bridge over tho Matarawa Stream Creek bridge) are in a fair state of repair. The old timber approach on this bridge, which was badly decayed, has been removed and filled with <*lav and metal. The bridge is in a poor state of repair and will need replacing before many years have elapsed.”