THE LOW-LEVEL BRIDGE.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 48, 18 September 1924, Page 2

THE LOW-LEVEL BRIDGE.

CONNECTION WITH PUKEATUA. I Construction Well Forward. Completion Within Few Weeks. From the point of view of Putaruru a very important portion of the Arapum scheme will he the new low-levei crossing of the Waikato liver near the Arapuni powerhouse site. Tms will give a large stretch of country on the western side of the Waikato river good access to Putaruru, and shorter than its present access to ie Awamutu. The principal portion ot this territory is the Pukeatua settlement but Wharepuhunga and Maungatautari country is also concerned with the new outlet to Putaruru. The present bridge, some distance up the river from Arapuni, has very steep approaches, and although sonte settlers from the western side of the river use it to make Putaruru their outlet at times most go Te Awamutu way at present. However, nearly all are anticipating the time when this new low-level bridge at Arapuni will be open for traffic, bringing them several miles nearer the Rotorua railway at Putaruru than to the Main Trunk railway at Te Awamutu, thus materially reducing their measure of isolation. A visit to the new bridge on Monday showed that the work was well forward. What a layman would describe as the “ framework ” appeared to be practically completed and by planks along it the workmen we: crossing from one side to the other. The superstructure and decking have yet to be added. The bridge is set in a very picturesque spot, abutting a sheer wall of rock at each end which confines the river to narrow proportions. The adjoining precipitous banks are heavily wooded, while the bare rhyolite cliffs tower above them to the top of the gorge. The bottom of the bridge itself stands 30ft above the water level, foundations having been cut out of the top of the rock face on the Te Awamutu side but a foundation of solid concrete having been erected for some 30ft up on the Putaruru side. This foundation rests on a conglomerate mass of rock jutting into the river just above the water level and backs on to a sheer face of rock. The bridge itself is a heavy iron structure, and a massive system for haulage by wire rope has been necessary to put the various pieces into place. On the Putaruru side an excellent rojid approach, which must measure the best part of half a mile, has been made and metalled with local shingle, which presents a first-class surface. On the Te Awamutu side the approach has been cut diagonally across the face of the cliff, observing, as on the Putaruru side, an even grade down to the bridge level. At the top of the gorge on the Te Awamutu side a second bridge, over what will be the headrace, is being provided. Owing to the length of the approaches the grades might prove somewhat tiring for horse teams, but with the solid smooth surface presented should give good travelling in all weathers for motor traffic.

Altogether, the whole bridge scheme is marked by the solidarity, efficiency and liberality which has characterised all the permanent features installed or planned by the Public Works Department in connection with the Arapuni scheme, evidencing a wide knowledge, enthusiasm and ability on the part of the department.