THE RANGITATA BRIDGE.
The following is the material portion of a report furnished to the Ashburton County Council, some time ago by Mr Higginson, C.E., on the, state of the Rangitata road bridge. He reccommended that it be lengthened ten chains. He estimates the cost as follows of five different designs without
allowing anything for abutments or river protection : No. 1—£10,360; all iron. No. 2—£9560; iron piers wooden girders. No. 3—£5630; all wood. No. 4—£5030; all wood (light), No. 5—£4448 ; all wood, 40 spans. After due consideration of the different methods, both as regards cost and suitability, he certainly recommended No 1, * for the following reasons: — We have proof in all cases where used, that cylindrical iron piers are above all others best adapted for these rivers : they are easily sunk to a proper depth below scour, the exact nature of the foundations are rendered visible, and what is of great consequence also, they offer the least possible obstruction to the force of the current in whatever direction it may set. They are also permanent, as beyond a coat of paint now and then they give no trouble. The Committee of the Ashburton County Council appointed to report on the matter were of opinion that to extend the bridge upon iron cylinder foundations, corresponding with the original structure, would entail too heavy an expenditure, and recommended the adoption of design No. 5, for wooden trusses of 40ft span, supported on wrought-iron piles Gin in diameter and 38ft long, as recommended by Mr Higgenson. It was also recommended that the work be proceeded with immediately, and notification sent to the Government to withhold from the subsidies payable to the various Road Boards in the County of Geraldine, a sufficient sum to pay half the cost of the work.
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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2541, 13 May 1881, Page 2
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297THE RANGITATA BRIDGE. South Canterbury Times, Issue 2541, 13 May 1881, Page 2
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