New Bridge Promised For Rangitikei River

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 23, 28 January 1937, Page 3

New Bridge Promised For Rangitikei River

OLD BULLS STRUCTURE TO BE REPLACED. A definite assurance that the Main Highways Board is about to design a new bridge to span the Rangitikei river at Bulls, replacing the 1500 ft. timber structure which has been in use since 1901, was made by the Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) to representatives of the Manawatu County Council when this question was raised by a deputatioh to him at Bulls yesterday.

Mr C. L. Hunter, M.P. for Manawatu, said that the road was now a State highway and the renewal of the bridge was very necessary, as in its present condition it was a menace to road transport. Patching up had only given it a further two years of life.

The Minister said that there would be no delay in giving effect to his decision, and tho work would be put in hand as soon as possible. Tho designing department of tho Public Works Department had been working under high pressure to prepare plans for new maintenance jobs. They were not going to leave the present ramshackle bridge there any longer than he could help, Mr Semple added. Representations were also mado to tho Minister in connection with Hood protection work on the lower Rangitikei river, tho Minister expressing the opinion that a new outlet would have to bo cut at Tangimoana before tho work was undertaken higher up. Tne engineer appointed to study the Manawatu river problem would likewise be instructed to investigate the situation as far as the Rangitikei river was concerned.