RANGIURU BRIDGE UNSAFE

Chronicle (Levin), 11 July 1946, Page 2

RANGIURU BRIDGE UNSAFE

REPORT MADE TO BOROUGH ! COUNCIL Stating that without doubt the Rangiuru bridge was in a dangerous condition, but admitting that. the closing of it would cut off access to the settied area, a letter was received at last night's meeting of the Otaki Borough, Council from the engineer of the Public Works Department. •The report stated that an inspection had been made of the bridge on June 22. It was over a slowflowing stream which became" an overflov/ channel for fiood water. There were four spans and tliree stringers per span. All had been renewed except three centre ones. Caps and piles were jusst about done, and one abutment cap had rotted to the extnt of letting one outer stringer sink into it 'two or . three inches. On this span the centre stringer .had rotted away on top, so that three inches of daylight was showing under the decking. Packing under an end stringer had moved and let it down into the- cap. The bridge has had its day as regards safety of trucks, and was liabiert.'o collapse by the pipes failing. The bridge was considered to be definitely unsafe and should be closed. If removed the material worth sa.1vaging was practically part of the decking for repair work and nme stringers. It was pointed out that the structure bore a notice to the effect that the bridge was unsafe, while it was suggested that the Public Works Department be written to and asked that the mouth _ of the river be opened, while it was thought that it was the duty of the Catchment Board to assist. It was pointed out that the engineer had made more than one inspection, and had reported that the bridge was unsafe and agreed that it should have attention. Cr. Hakaraia thought that it was the duty of the Horowhenua County Council to assist. *' • It was decided to make a request to the Public Works Department to have the mouth of the river opened, , and to advise that the bridge was unsafe for all vehicular traffic. It was considered that to close the bridge would infiict hardship on many who had occasion to use the structure.