CONCERN AT STATE OF MAIN ROAD BRIDGE NEAR MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 October 1947, Page 4

CONCERN AT STATE OF MAIN ROAD BRIDGE NEAR MARTON

(S.R.t Marton, Oct. 2. Concern at the condition of the old suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River at Onepuhi, near Marton, was expressed by the engineer, Mr. H. Murray Reid at the monthly meeting in Marton today. He said this bridge was long overdue for replacement and he would like to see it closed. The structure was safe enough for a car, but was definitely dangerous for anything heavier. Cr. /Reid added that he had been told officially that the replacement of this bridge would be undertaken by the Main Highways Board and was a major undertaking estimated to cost £40,000. In view of this high cost the bridge would be taken over by the board. The highest contribution which could be asked from a local body was £7500. “If the Main Highways Board are going to put all that into a bridge they would naturally want to take it over,” Cr. Reid added

Cr. V. Smith (Taihape): What about the county on the other side of the river?

The engineer: They would have to come into it, too, but the bridge is still under the control of the Rangitikei County. The chairman, Cr. K. W. Dalrymple, said this bridge should be closely watched and inspected every week.

Cr. J. M. B. Collier: If it is as bad as all that it should be burned down. The county clerk (Cr. F. L. Nicol): The bridge is not insured The chairman: If it gets more dangerous it will have to be closed .

After Cr. j. R. L. Hammond had said that the bridge was essential to farmers in the locality who needed access for their stock, the engineer declared that the decking was rotten and required attention every week. The council decided to write to the Main Highways Board and inquire as to whether the board or the county would he responsible in the event of an accident.