Dublin Street Bridge

Stayed overnight in Wanganui last night, before a full day today at Wanganui Hospital on an accreditation visit. Got out for my usual morning run, and went along the bank of the Wanganui River. I was really taken with this view of one of the bridges over the river. Known as the Dublin Street Bridge, it was completed in 1914 as a bridge to carry trams. It is now used for cars and pedestrians.

In the Wanganui Chronicle of 13 August 1913 (today's edition of the Chronicle was delivered to my motel room this morning) was a report (dated 31 July 1913) from Mr C J McKenzie, the Resident Engineer, on the progress of construction of the bridge.

"All cylinders have been sunk to their full depth with the exception of downstream cylinder in pier B. which has still 2ft 11in to go. All cylinders have been filled with concrete except those at pier B. Piers J. I. H. and G. are practically complete. Piers F. E. D. and C. are complete with the exception of the walls. Abutment A is the only portion of the piers untouched, but this will not affect the progress of the work. The main object has been to push forward the construction of the cylinder piers in deep water, so that the risk from floods would be minimised. The steel work for span I. and J. is in position, and that for span H. to I. is riveted up ready for launching. Sufficient steel work has been rivetted up for four spans.. Recently I arranged with the contractor to paint the steel work lying on the site, as it was starting to rust."

The Council received the report, after the Mayor had referred to it as very satisfactory.

The structure of the bridge is that typically used for bridges for trains and trams in New Zealand around that time. The steel work which would have carried the rails, has now been covered with tar seal to allow for car use.

Almost 100 years old, it continues to serve the workers of Wanganui as they commute to work, although now there is congestion during peak traffic hours. At the time I went across, I saw only a few cars, and from the lights seen in the photograph there were just three cars on the bridge at that time (0713 am).