KUMMER’S BRIDGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1941, Page 4

KUMMER’S BRIDGE

REPLACEMENT BY MODERN STRUCTURE. IMPROVEMENT TO APPROACHES. After 40 years' service Kummer’s Bridge over the Waipoua River, at Akura, is being replaced will) a modern reinforced concrete structure. Tlie bridge, which was built in 1901, was a timber truss structure 111 feel wide, witli a span of 61 feet. The approaches were poor and visibility was restricted. The bridge provided for only one lane of traffic. The totara chords were badly decayed and the Masterton County Council was faced with considerable expenditure in repairing the damage. It was decided, under the circumstances, to erect a modern reinforced concrete bridge of two 50 feet spans with a 6 feet cantilever at the northern end of the bridge and a 24 feet roadway. Tlie dock level at the northern end would bo 3 feet above tlie present level. Provision iias been made so that the length of the bridge can bo extended if necessary. To improve the approaches the acquisition of a small area of land is required and arrangements are being made with settlers in the vicinity in that connection. The contract price of £3,695 by A. H. Bogie, of Wanganui, carries a Public Works Department subsidy of £1 for £l.