CITY BRIDGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 103, 4 May 1938, Page 8

CITY BRIDGES

70-YEAR-OLD MAIN STRUCTURE TEMPORARY REPAIRS NEEDED “In lhe last four annual reports attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory state of this 70 years 010 structure, and it is again stressed that arrangements for a new bridge will be necessary at an early date," staled Mr. Row, reporting on the Town Bridge. "As it would probably take some years before arrangements could be finalised and a new bridge erected, it. is recommended that as a temporary. measure the long span at the town end should be strengthened during the coming year. Strengthening work on the three spans at the eastern end was completed nearly three years ago and so far has proved satisfactoryin eliminating excessive vibration and side sw'ay. It is recommended that the same type of work be carried out on the town end span. "A small amount of maintenance work has been done during the year consisting of chipping and painting patches of ironwork below deck level and patching the asphalt roadway which had become defective. "In June last, the cylinder of the turntable span was damaged in a collision by the Hauturu and this was repaired at the cost of the shipping company. The handrails to the footway on the approach at the town end are in a very bad state of repair and will require renewal.” Dublin Street Bridge “Very little work was done on the Dublin Street Bridge, but further painting will be necessary next summer,” Mr. Row added. "Except for minor patches, the painting done in the previous year is standing up fairly well, but on a steel structure of this type over tidal waters constant, attention is necessary. Other Bridges “The bridge over the Matarawa Stream on the No. 3 Line is in pool condition and on account of its narrow width is a constant, menace to motor traffic. “A contract was let in Decembei for the erection of a reinforced concrete bridge on a concrete piled foundation over the Matawara Stream on Anzac Parade. Very slow progress has been made and the original contract time will probably be exceeded by at least three months. A temporary by-pass bridge on steel girders was erected at the site by the council in order to avoid closing the street tc traffic.”