DANGER AT NEW BRIDGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 January 1931, Page 2

DANGER AT NEW BRIDGE

(To the Editor) Sir,—As you, along with all the residents of the district, are aware, the Waimea County Council are building a modern concrete bridge across the Wairoa river on the main highway at Briglitwater. The bridge in itself is practically completed and at present the contractor is busily filling in the approaches which consist of gravel from the river bed. It is in regard to these approaches that I would draw attention. I understand there is no protection work provided, and it is obvious what will happen upon the occasion of the first flood. The flood water must back up, for the previous hollows are now filled up several feet, thus forcing the water to encroach on the adjacent properties and run round the end of the approaches which will be cut away like a heap of sand by the force of water.' Tnis will mean not only the loss to property owners in question, but of several hundred pounds of ratepayers’ money which could be safeguarded if proper foresight is displayed by those responsible before it is too late. To anyone familiar with this river in flood time, it is simply foolhardiness to imagine all the volume of water can be confined to the river bed, and as users of the highway are aware it is a common occurrence to find two feet of water over the road, especially at the southern end of this bridge, even with a moderate flood.

Now, Sir, are the members of the Waimea County Council going to indulge in that worn-out policy of “Wait and see,” or are they going to take steps to avoid serious trouble. —I am, etc., SPECTATOR, Brightwater, Bth January.