THE SUN Service Car First to Cross Mokau Bridge

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 174, 13 October 1927, Page 1

THE SUN Service Car First to Cross Mokau Bridge

Taranaki’s New Link With the North OPENED AT MIDNIGHT The new Mokaj Bridge was thrown open for traffic last evening, and the first vehicle to cross was THE SUN'S New Plymouth service car. A Press Association message this morning states: The last obstacle to through communication by road between Taranaki and Auckland was removed to-day b> the opening of the new bridge across the Mokau Rirer. The first vehicle across was the Auckland SUN’S ear at 12.10 this morning. The ceremonial opening has been deferred till the House of Representatives rises and the Minister of Public Works is at liberty. According to a special telegram to THE SUN, the service car loaded with passengers crossed a: ' ’last night. The bridge has tak J months to complete. Early deia; . arose from industrial trouble in England holding up the steel work and later progress was hindered by a succession of storms, floods and the subsidence of the piers. Since the work climbed above water-level progress has beer, rapid. THE LIFTING SPAN The structure has now cost £34.000. It has been constructed in 11 spans totalling 670 feet in length. The superstructure is of steel girders and the decking is of concrete. The four central piers: sunk 30« feet into the hard black sand of the riverbed carry the lifting span 62 feet long, which is hoisted vertically on four large steel towers to give a clearance of 60 feet above high-water and a passage 50 feet wide The bridge is of single traffic width but nn each side of r.he lift it Is widened out to 19 feet, so that cars may stand while vessels are passing and the lifting span is up.

CHEAP TRAVEL

ROAD TRIP TO HAMILTON FOR 10/-

The popularity of THE SUN eerviee car between Auckland and Hamilton is growing every day. Passengers can travel in safety and comfort either way for 10s single or 17s 6d return. Seats can be booked by telephone (46-820) at THE SUN

THE SUN’S NEW SERVICE CAR Ofllee. THE SUN service connects at Hamilton with Holden’s service to Rotorua and the following is the daily time-table:—Leaves SUN Office, 3.15; arrive Hamilton, 6.15; depart, 7 pm.; arrive Rotorua 10.30 p.xn. Down trip: Leeive Rotorua 4 p.m., connecting with SUN car at Hamilton 7 p.m., arrive Auckland 10.30 p.m_