THE MANAWATU GORGE BRIDGE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9445, 15 May 1909, Page 5

THE MANAWATU GORGE BRIDGE.

This important: public work, which again gives a safe and easy means of communication between the East and West Coasts of this Island, was passed as completed according to specifications by the Government Engineer (Mr Nathan) yesterday. It is now over twelve years since the old structure was washed away, ana since that time, up to within a few months, this route between east and west was becoming more difficult, owing to the neglected state of the Gorge Road, and the ferry boat was never a satisfactory means of crossing the river. Owing to these causes traffic along what is undoubtedly the natural means of communication between communities ou each side of the range, had practically ceased. The present structure is a much stronger “one than the one which was destroyed by the flood of 1b76, and may be expected to stand against even a flood of that volume. The old bridge was built on piles, this one stands on steel cylinders filled with concrete, sunk from 40 to 50 feet below the river bed. It is a truss bridge of seven spans, each 147 feet. The roadway is twelve feet wide and stands about thirty feet above the ordinary level of the;river. The design of the structure was supplied by the Government Roads Department, and Mr H, J. Hayna has been the engineer in charge. Mr Maurice O’Oonnor was the builder, the contract price being £18,853. When the;contraot was let it was stipulated"that it should be finished by the Bth September, 1908, but much delay has been Jcausea in obtaining the iron work in the colony. There is some protective work yet to be done at each end of the bridge, consequently the total cost will be much higher’than the amount stated. It is now open to traffic however, though theh ceremonial opening will not take place until next month. Mr G. Wheeler, chairman of the Orona County Council, went down to see the work on Tuesday and he has decided to invite His Excellency the Governor to perform the opening ceremony on the 2nd or 9th of June, or to fix another date if neither of these is convenient. The. Premier and Parliamentary representatives of the particular districts interested In the work, as well as the County representatives, 'will probably also he present at the ceremony.