The Awaparua Bridge.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 25, 27 June 1885, Page 3

The Awaparua Bridge.

The Awijurua railway and traffic bi'id-^e, which will form portion of the Main Trunk line between Wellington and Napier will bo completed and handed over to th-j Government authorities) about tha end oil this month. The contract was t.r.oii A) iut two years ago by Mr Hector M l .s.e;iisie, who has constructed wui'lir works m other parts. of the c ilouy. The dimensions are — length, TiOOft ; width, . liift"; 'height, 32ft irom low water level to Hoor of the bridge. There arc 14 spans each 80ft, two spans each 13ft, and four spiui3 eacu lift ; 600,000 ft totara and iron bark timber, 300 tons ironwork, and 1,400 casks cement have been used m the construction. The whole of the superstructure was put up m the short space of nine months, tho men workingnight and day./ Considerable difficulty was experienced m sinking the foundations, no less than 13 months being spent without satisfactory residts being obtained. The bridge crosses the Alanawatu River at Awaparua, tour miles south of Woodville, and [close to thu present coach ferry. This spot has been the.'. scene of two extraordinary Hoods, one m 1881, aud -the other m September, 1884. As it is understood that the bridge will be used for general traffic until required for. railway purposes, the Masterton coach will, as soon as it is open, be able to save about half an hour on tho journey. The total cost of the. structure, which reflects great credit upon the corvtaactor, is £14,000. The residents about Woodville and the surrounding districts are making arrangements .to celebrate the opening day. in a substantial manner. — Exchange.