STANLEY ROAD BRIDGE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 40, 18 February 1915, Page 3

STANLEY ROAD BRIDGE.

A VISIT OF INSPECTION. Yesterday afternoon a County Council party consisting of Crs. Walter, Worthington, Anderson, AVere and Christoifel, accompanied by Messrs W. J. Lopdell (engineer), and C. Penn (clerk) visited the Stanley Road bridge, which is in a dangerous state. The Government has given a grant of £250; on a £ for £ subsidy basis, and the plans of the proposed bridge have to be approved by the district roads engineer. It was stated that the engineer had prepared two plans, one providing for a 30ft-. arch, erected 23ft from the bottom, with retaining walls run up to the height of the road, a distance of 20ft filling in the. centre with earth. This would cost £320. An alternative scheme was for a concrete bridge, with a 35ft span, and two gpans of 20ft., at a height-of 43ft. from the bed of the stream. This would cost £7OO. Upon members' return, there was a groat deal of discussion. Or. Climtoffel stated that he was of opinion that, the cheaper proposal outlined by the engineer would be suitable, but if they could get the other bridge for £SOO, and obtain the Government subsidy, and at the same time satisfy the district roads engineer, it might be, advisable to erect this. It would be an everlasting job. Cr Walter was of opinion that, whether they obtained a subsidy or not, they, should put up the cheapest structure possible, consistent with permanency. There- were not there to "kow-tpw" to. anyone,, hut to. study the interests of the ratepayers, and if ! they could get a bridge for £350, and could not get a £ for £ subsidy, they . should endeavor" to get a straight-out grant. . Cr. Anderson, sai.d it certainly was not policy to expend £7OO where half the money would be sufficient. The engineer stated that the arch bridge could be safely built for £350, whilst the three-span would, cost? at least £525. ' If they got a straight-out grant,- the former, would be cheape.v, but if yiey.'lost the. subsidy there would bono saving..-.

The chairman warned members that they had to. face the difficulty, Of finance. 'He did not see,.bow they were going to find £3OO for a bridge on a toad which was practically worn out. It would he difficult to find even half the cost of the cheaper structure. It was decided that,the.duvirma n u«d engineer wait on Mr .Murray, and place the financial position of the Council before him, and in the event of not being able to arrive at an agreement, that the chairman call a special m,eje,t,ing, of the. Council to discuss the matter.