BRIDGE DETERIORATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 3, 24 July 1946, Page 5

BRIDGE DETERIORATION

COUNTY COUNCIL’S DILEMMA Ip REPLACEMENTS IMPOSSIBLE “The shortage of cement, steel and coal makes it impossible to replace many of the bridges throughout the County,” said Mr J. L. Burnett at the County Council meeting yesterday. “These bridges are deteriorating year by year and I don’t think it is a fair thing to have this mounting liability on the ratepayers. The position is hopeless at present and will get much worse before it gets better.” The matter arose out of a letter from the Public Works Department -enclosing print showing proposed new roading required for the subdivision of the Holdsworth property for Returned Servicemen. It was the intention of the Lands Department .as soon as construction was com- . plete, to dedicate the land as a public road, and hand same over to the Council for future control and maintenance. It was also suggested that the road which was all on flat land be formed 18ft. and metalled 12ft. wide. A bridge Would also be required over Western Drain, and the • Council was asked to advise its requirements, also that it would take over and maintain the road when constructed.

The Council was fully agreed that the mounting cost of bridge replacement should not be laid at the door of the ratepayers and that the only alternative was to build in temporary wood on the understanding that reinforced structures would be built later on when supplies were normal. Information regarding the bridging of the Galatea Estate was also received from the P.W.D. suggesting that wooden bridges with steel girders should be erected. The chairman said that he had discussed the matter with the Minister and Engineer-in-Chief when in Wellington. Both had agreed that concrete structures were essential.

Crs Hunter and McGougan introduced the question of other bridges needing replacement but it was decided to keep to the present issue by replying to the Department’s letter stating that the Council agreed to the erection of temporary wooden bridges providing the Department consented to erect concrete structures within five years time at its own cost.