BRIDGE AT GLADSTONE ROAD.

Shannon News, 15 November 1929, Page 3

BRIDGE AT GLADSTONE ROAD.

TO ME MADE SATE FOR STOCK TRAFFIC.

, s SETTLER TO MAKE IT SUITABLE j FOR LIGHT CARS. \

It was decided, at the meeting of the Horowhenua County Council on Saturday to effect repairs to the stock bridge over the Ohau River at Glad-

stone Road so as to make it safe for stock, and to give Mr Clifford Adkin permission to use the (structure* for light motor traffic, provided that he carries out certain improvements to the satisfaction of the County Engineer. A report was received from the En gineer (Mr J. T. M. Brewster), who had been directed to inspect the bridge consequent on Mr Adkin's request to be allowed to take a Baby Austin car over it, for which purpose he would assist in strengthening.the bridge. The Engineer stated that ho found the condition of the structure such that the bridge should receive attention at one point ni particular, without delay. The total length of the bridge was 120 feet between centres of towers, with a width of 4ft. Bin. between uprights. The cables consisted of 20 No. "8 wires on each side of the bridge and were carried into the ground until the anchors were met. At Ihe eastern end of the bridge the wires were, rusted rather badly for a distance ef approximately one foot where they entered the ground; _ otherwise they*appeared to be in fair condition. He recommended that the wires be cut off above ground level and connected to the anchors with 7/8 inch mild steel bars well lagged with tar and sacking. He did not know the-I condition of the present anchors, but j suggested that new ones be construct- , ed in concrete, suitably reinforced. The j greatest danger threatening the bridge was the likelihood of the collapse of the tower at the western end.. This j tower was subject to foreign stresses, j and it appeared that the only things preventing its collapse were four No. 8 wires that were primarily used as portion of a stiffening truss in the bridge. He recommended that immediate steps be taken to strengthen this tower. The tower would have to receive further alterations if cars were to use the bridge, as excavations at the western end would make it necessary for struts that were proposed to be put in at present, to be lengthened.- Further recommendations were, made, as to various details, and the Engineer stated that the finished bridge should have a camber,of twelve inches. If these repairs and were carried out, he was of opinion that the bridge would be strong enough to carry a light motor vehicle driven at a- slow pace. Although some of the repairs suggested were the Council's liability, the major portion might not be undertaken this financial year, but he stressed the point that the strengthening of the tower at the western end was an urgent matter. Cr. Gimblctt expressed the opinion that, if Mr Adkin was prepared to go to the necessary expense to make the bridge safe for traffic, he should be given the permission which he sought. He -did not think that the applicant should'bear the whole of that cost. With regard to the necessity for changing the method of anchoring, if that was not a County job it was a question ?or someone other than Mr Adkin alone to deal with. There was also the question of the stay wires. When the 20 wires that carried the bridge were safely secured on the end and the connecting wires were secured, he though', that the Council's responsibility ended then and it> was' for Mr Adkin to bear the expense from that on. The Chairman (Mr G. A. Monk): You are not suggesting that Ihe work proposed by your Engineer should be less?

Cr. Gimblett: No, I stand by the Engineer's report; but even if the Council declines that permission, the two points I have mentioned are work that will have to be gone on with. I want the Council to assume that liability; I want the bridge to be made safe. The Chairman remarked that the ordinary galvanised wires at present securing the bridge would not last long in the ground. Cr. Ryder: Seven or eight years. Cr. Colquhoun: If the bridge has to be excavated for a ear, it will cost considerably more. The Chairman: That is Mr Adkin's job. I would. suggest that you have the repairs that are urgently needed carried out at once. Cr. Gimblett: County repairs?

The Chairman: Yes,

'Cr. Gimblett: There are certain repairs of a minor character that .should be carried out. As to the towers, I think that the bridge as it is to-day will carry stock, but if it is to carry general traffic those towers must be strengthened.. To prevent rusting means putting in a concrete anchor for ,the wires to connect up with. I feel that that is a Council work and should be attended to. If we agree to accept that, ■ I see nothing to prevent us giving Mr Adkin permission to effect the repairs or bear the expense of the repairs further than the report before us.

In reply to a question, the Engineer stated that it would cost about £27 to do the Council's work. "You cannot do anything unless you- carry out what is in that report," he added. Cr. Gimblett moved that the Council effect repairs necessary to the safety of the bridge for stock purposes, and that Mr Adkin be given permission to use tho bridge for light motor traffic, subject to his carrying out repairs as required by the Engineer; Mr Adkin to carry all future responsibility for motor traffic. Cr. Gimblett asked if it would be possible to cut down the estimate of £27. Ho said that to ask the Council to spend that much this year was asking too much, but he did

not want the matter'held up too long. The Chairman: You should give the Engineer authority to do this in his own time, so that he -will not embarrass your finance. He will do the urgent "work now and the other as finance allows it. Mr Adkin will have to wait six months. The Engineer: There will be four and a-half months to the end of the financial year to do it. The motion, which was seconded by Cr. Ryder, was carried.