THE KIRIKIRI BRIDGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4378, 15 February 1922, Page 2

THE KIRIKIRI BRIDGE.

BORINGS COMPLETED. APPROXIMATE COST £50,000. The following, report was received by the Hauraki Plains County Council on Monday from Mr F. E. Powell in connection with the Kirikiri bridge : “I have much, pleasure in reporting that the results of the borings made to test the bearing power of the river bed for the purpose of a bridge at or about the Kirikiri site are such, as there is no doubt that a first-class bridge can be erected in any material. The area explored is., the st re tck between the mouth of the Kirikiri stream and the beacon above the sawdust dump near’ Kopu, and, of course, the full width of the river for a distance of about a mile. The greatest depths driven were down stream, where in one place a total penetration of 50ft was recorded. The best results were found in the stretch between the old Kirikiri wharf and the mouth of the Kirikiri stream, but the whole area may be regarded as practicable fc?’ the purpose. The material penetrated was good sandy silt, i generally with a substantial hard layer on the/surface, firming up .to a really hard bottom, varying from about 25ft to 58ft in depth. “I would now be glad to hear whether your Council, under these cOnditions, desires to specify exactly where the bridge should be located, or whether this will be left entirely to me. Personally, from a general view of the conditions, I am inclined to favi our a point about the old Kirikiri wharf site, but if there is any reason. ; for selecting any other site I believe it will be found that there will be ' comparatively little difference in cost. , t “I am now in a position to design the general scheme off. the 'bridge, leaving certain details until I have your decision as to site, as these will not affect the drawings at this stage, and a few days will then be sufficient to complete the scheme. It is proposed to place two alternative designs before you,- and particulars of a suitable reinforced concrete design have already been worked out.” Mr F. E. Powell waited on the Council and stated that the facts of the work were satisfactory, and contrary to. the statements of pessimists who declared that there was no bottom to the river. He was satisfied that shprt of getting absolutely a rock ■ bottom they had'the next best thing, and conducive to pile-driving. Above the Kirikiri wharf there was very good ground. Any concrete pile pur down there and properly driven would bear 30 tons. He would recommend a concrete bridge. The cost of a supen structure not be very great, and it would be most satisfactory. . If there were wooden piles and a wooden bridge there would be a saving of £5OOO. He wanted some lead in the matter, or would the matter be left entirely in his own Hands ? He thought the council would be content to leave it to him to put the bridge across the .narrowest and most suitable part of the river. The ‘ best site would probably be between the. two disused ferry landings. It woiild be the shortest and most economical at - that point. There was a good bottom there. As the bridge was the most expensive part c(t the job, the shortest route should be considered. ( The 'length would be about 1716 feet. The total cost would be approximately £45,000 for a ■ reinforced concrete bridge. Passing places would be made •just under the opening spans. The width of the bridge would be about 12 feet. Mr Powell also said that it had been asserted that a man had tried the bottom of the' river and had declared that there was absolutely no bottom to it. This was incorrect. His cost would cover the bridge expenses, but the roading expenses had not been included in the estimate. Cr. Harris said the c’duncil should stick out for' a £ for £ subsidy and they would have a very satisfactory bridge. The Thames County Council would contribute £6OOO. The Council gave its consent to' Mr Powell to discuss the matters of site with the Mayor of Thames.