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Post date: Apr 23, 2014 4:1:12 PM
THE NEW BOW BRIDGE.
Official Enquiry.
It transpired at the official enquiry held at Maidstone last Friday that the proposed new bridge at Wateringbury — known as Bow Bridge — will be of ferro-concrete on the Hennibique system, and of the trestle type. It will be designed to carry a moving load of 30 tons on two axles. The piles are to be driven about 30 to 36 feet -below tbe river bed. The piles are 16 inches square, and in pairs at intervals of 28 feet 6 inches across the stream. The head-room will be increased about two feet beyond the present wooden bridge. The new road will have an easier gradient of 1 in 30, and the road level at the south end will be raised some four feet, continuing almost as far as the cottages on the side of the bridge approach. Ferro-concrete has been adopted on account of its strength and cheapness, and also on account of the saving on subsequent upkeep, no painting or repairing being necessary, as the material hardens and strengthens with age, and is practically a monolithic structure; that is to say, it is not built up of sections, as a stone bridge or a girder bridge would be, but when finished is practically of one substance throughout. Over 1,000 bridges have been constructed of reinforced concrete throughout the United Kingdom, one of the finest being the Suir, at Waterford. Two ferro-concrete bridges are shortly to be placed across the Thames at Reading.
The enquiry, which took place at the offices of the Rural District Council, was conducted by Mr. A. W. Brightmore, D.Sc., AI. Inst. C.E., on behalf of the Local Government Board, the application of the Council to the Board having been for power to borrow £3,000 for the erection of the bridge. The members of the Council present were: The Rev. J. R. Leigh (chairman), Messrs. J. R. Sowray, and W. F. Hartridge, with the Clerk (Mr. Robt. Hoar), the Surveyor (Mr.Busbridge), Mr. R. H. Halls, of Leaves (the engineer and designer), and Mr. J. Hillier French (Assistant Overseer for Barming).
Mr. Hoar informed the Inspector that the Council’s district comprised some 15 parishes, which had a population at the last census of 16,398, while the rateable value was £111,598. The Council's total indebtedness was £4,770, which was incurred in erecting the isolation hospital.
The Inspector asked what was the total estimated cost of the bridge ?
Mr. Halls: £4,000.
Mr. Hoar explained that the proposed bridge would take the place of the existing Bow Bridge at Wateringbury, which was only being used for pedestrian traffic at the present time.
The Inspector enquired whether a temporary bridge was to be erected during the construction of the new one?
Mr. Halls Replied in the negative, adding that the Council contemplated having a ferry which would cost about £1 a week. It was proposed to commence the erection of the new bridge at the conclusion of the hop-picking, and the work would probably occupy six or seven months.With regard to the land required, Mr. Hoar stated that this belonged to Mr. Leney, Mr. Roger Leigh, and Mr. Hutson, and that each of these gentlemen was in favour or the application. If the bridge were erected in a substantial manner the County Authorities would no doubt take it over.
Mr. Halls said he saw Mr. Alaybury, the former Surveyor to the County Council, and now Engineer to the Road Board, and the bridge would be constructed, in accordance with his requirements as to strength, etc.
The Inspector next asked what contributions had been promised towards the cost of the bridge?
Mr. Hoar: The Rochester Bridge Wardens have promised us £1,000, the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company £200, and the Upper Medway Conservancy Board £200. We shall also probably receive a grant of £500 from the Road Board.
The Inspector: That makes a total of £1,900.
Mr. Hoar: The bridge will be as great a convenience to the parish of Wateringbury, which is not in our district, as it will be to our own parishes, and we think that Wateringbury ought to contribute towards the cost.
The Inspector: How many tenders were received for the erection of the bridge ?
Mr. Hoar: Ten, and the Council accepted the lowest, that of the Yorkshire Hennibique
Contracting Company. They are as follows:
£ s. d.
Yorkshire Hennibique Contracting Company ......3,397 1 3
W. Cowlin and Son ................. 3,443 0 0
John Garrett and Son ......... 3,500 0 0
British Construction Company 3,671 0 0
Roland J. Alay ............................ 3,680 0 0
Wm. Turner N icholls ........... 3,694 0 0
G. E. W allis and Sons ............ 3,694 0 0
Playfair and Toole ............... 3,825 0 0
Holloway Bros................. 3,950 0 0
A. Jackaman and Son .............. 3,975 0 0
Mr. Halls said they had made borings, and ascertained that beneath the layer of gravel there was soft clay, and then hard, dark clay, which, it was stated, extended to a depth of 500 feet. They proposed to carry the foundations of the new bridge to a depth of six feet into this dark clay.
In closing the inquiry the Inspector stated that he proposed to visit the spot, and that the Council would hear from his Board in due course.
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