New Bridge To Be Built Over Taieri River

Press, Volume C, Issue 29515, 17 May 1961, Page 11

New Bridge To Be Built Over Taieri River

•The Press" DUNEDIN, May 16. A new bridge to be bull' over the Taieri river a Otokia will be more than on< quarter of a mile long. Con struction is likely to begii next year. To be part of the Otokia Waihola flood-free deviatior of the Main South highway the bridge will carry traffii travelling south from Otokii across the Taieri river t< behind the floodbank wbicl protects West Taieri. The new aecticn of highway will extend five miles acros the plain behind the flood bank parallel to the existini railway line. Approaching Titri, it wil cross the Waipori river by i bridge already under con struction and return to thi present highway just short o the Titri station. The total cost of the devia tion has been estimated a £400,000.

Special Service The structure would span not- only, the river, but also the flood plain on either side, said Mr S’. F. Reynolds, Ministry of Works resident engineer in Dunedin. It would last many years, and discussions were being held with the Otago Catchment Board concerning the area of the water-way likely to be left for floods during its , life. Test homing and drilling were still going on for design purposes, but indications were t that the structure would be . on precast piles and beams ; like the Waipori river bridge. If finance were available. ■ construction would begin next 1 year.