BRIDGE OVER THE KAWARAU RIVER.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 244, 7 November 1873, Page 7

BRIDGE OVER THE KAWARAU RIVER.

One of the most spirited undertakings in the way of private enterprise in the pProvince, and indeed in the Colony, is *the work of bridging the Kawarau river at the Nevis Ferry, on the main road, Dunedin to Queenstown, by Mr. M'Oormick of Cromwell. The bridge, which , consists of a single span of 173 feet, with a rise of 17 feet in the centre, is on the laminated timber arch principle, and the substructure is composed of three timber arches built with layers of three inch planks, with a total depth of 3ft Gin, and a width of Ift 6in, and secured by screw bolts at short distances apart passing through whole thickness of arch. The arches are built on the river banks to the required curvature, and when completed, are launched into their -'appointed positions, beds being prepared in the solid rock to receive the ends, which are cased in iron sockets weighing about half a ton apiece. The banks of the river being perpendicular precipices of rock upwards of 80ft in • height, ' the work of launching these arches will re ; quire great care and nicety in handling them, - especially in the preparation and of the wire ropes, winches, blocks and tackles, &c, required for this purpose. The arch.es are 180 ft in length, and. weigh nearly 25 tons each. The traffic way of bridge is 19ft 6in in width and is carried-by cills resting on longitudinal beams, which are supported by uprights at equal distances, abutting on to upper face of arches, and secured thereto by strong angle irons and straps, passing entirely round arehes, and fixed by screwbolts, in their respective places. The platform and arches are bracedin a neat and skillful manner by vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal bracing;. A strong and substantial parapet is erected at both sides of the bridge. The ends .of the bridge are finished off by stone, abutments, and there are two pairs of handsome pillars of the same material. The abutments rest partially on ends of arehes, thereby giving increased stability to the bridge. The design of the bridge is extremly handsomeVand light in appearance, while the arrangements of its timbers and various details give promise of. great strength, and will, when finished, be one of the most notable engineering, works in the Colony. The platform is 70ft .above the ordinary water level of the river. The approaches 30ft in width, are also being . formed by the- promoter of the Bridge, and are of an unusually heavy character, being, constructed through solid/; rockjp which is found to be of theimraesT kind known /in the district. Mr- M'Cormick, we understand, intends to spare no ex- , pense or trouble to have the works completed early in the ensuing year, in order that the heavy traffic customary' at that time may be accommodated. "We wish Mr. M'Cormick every success in his spirited wnture. — ' Daily Times.'