FLAVELL’S BRIDGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3293, 28 July 1943, Page 5

FLAVELL’S BRIDGE

HIKUTAIA-WHANGAMATA ROAD

REPLACEMENT SUGGESTED JO Mr J. Thorn, M.P., recently stated a case for improvements in Flavell’s bridge, on the Hikutaia-Whangamata road. The Minister has now sent Mr Thorn a reply, in which he states: “The bridge is certainly in an advanced state of decay and I fully agree with the local body’s contention that its replacement should be proceeded with immediately. Engineer’s Suggestion “The county engineer suggested that the structure be replaced by a' double-barfelled culvert but in the opinion of my department this would not be satisfactory, as the stream has an angle of approach to the site of the existing bridge, which would tend to cause erosion- if a culvert were provided. The diversion of the stream at this point would be a very costly undertaking. It is considered that the position would be met by the erection of a 20ft. span bridge on concrete abutments with three curved and one straight wingwall, the latter to deflect the stream at the angle of approach. “The estimated cost is- £4OO- and as a special case, I am prepared to subsidise the work on a £8 for £1 basis. Matter for Local Authority “If the local body will arrange for the financing of one-fourth of the cost and will submit to my department’s district engineer at Auckland satisfactory proposals for the work, the way will then be clear for the issue of the necessary monetary authority to enable the erection of the bridge to be proceeded with.”