NEW BRIDGES

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1929, Page 2

NEW BRIDGES

WEST COAST IIOAO. TWO DANGEUOb'S FQKDS. Surveys have just heeii completed hy (lie l’uh.ie Works Department tor new bridges over the Porter and Broken rivers, near Springfield, on the road to the West Coast. These structures, when completed, will obviate the use of lords, which, safe enough when the rivers are normal, are impassable in Hood time. At present the fords are in fair order.

A remark aide feature of the surveys was the discovery of a seam of lignite coal across the site lor the Broken river •Bridge. 'l'li is will necessitate boring lor a more secure foundation for the piles. On the last Public Works Fstimates £!()() was set aside for the Porter river hridf;e, and £G(M) for that over the li"okeii river, hut the surveys have silo "’I i that these sums are quite inadequate. The former will cost proIn,ldv £IOOO and the latter slightly

more. Tlie £IOOO available for the two bridges will pi'ohably he utilised for tic erection of ohe and the Porter river bridge, because of the better prospect' fir a secure foundation, will probably iret the preference. The site of the Broken iiiver bridge is 21 miles and that of the Porter river bridge 17 miles from Springfield. The Broken river is well known for its propensity for flooding, and its turbulent character, and the completion of fliese two structures will cause many motorists who would otherwise rail their cars from Sprimifiold to Otira and take a chance by road.