RANGIRIRI.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 276, 18 May 1917, Page 4

RANGIRIRI.

RANGIRIRI'S NEW BRIDGE. The bridge across the Waikato river at Rangiriri is almost completed and it is probable that in, a week or two the work may be out of the contractor's hands. Good progress has been made in filling in the approaches, but on the Rangiriri, or Waikato County,; side the adjacent roads have been cut up to such an extent by the heavy carting of material required, that the Road Board authorities have stopped the work ' for a time pending some improvement in the rainy weather experienced for some weeks past. So far as is at present known no arrangements have yet been made for any official opening of the bridge for traffic

Tha work was commenced in January 1915, the contractors being Messrs McLean, Rhodes and Co., and the contract price £9665. The work has been carried out by Mr W. Rhodes, one of the partners, with Mr A. Walch as resident foreman, whilst the supervision on behalf of the Public Works Department has boon in the hands of Mr Chipling for a portion of the time, and latt3ily of Mr James.

The total length of the bridgo is 1195 feet, with a roadway of 12 feet wide, with tho exception of a stretch of 50 feet in length where the bridgo widened out to 19 feet to permit of " crossing " facilities from either side. Tho structure consisted of three spans of 120 feet each supported on four ferro-concrete piers and 33 stringer spans of 25 feet ouch with concrete foundations ; provision being made at various points for tho protection of pedostriaii9, enabling them by means of recessos to avoid mobs of cattle or vehicles when crossing. The cost of the bridge (which will supor.-0.10 tho punt now in uso for many yoars) in excess of the Government graut, is to bo mot by tho Raglan and Waikato Counties ; tho former, which is expected to dorivo tho greator benefit, boaring the larger proportion of tho balance.