Civic Trust
  • Home
  • About Us
    • What we do
    • Meet the Team
    • Save the Date
    • Newsletters
  • Featured Articles
  • Heritage & History
    • Heritage NZ Listed Category 1
    • Awards & Grants
  • Get involved
    • Become a member
    • Make a donation chasing coin
  • Street Art
  • Blue Plaques
  • Contact
    • Links
    • Facebook Page
Featured Articles

Fairview Road Bluestone Bridge

17/4/2016

1 Comment

 
There are several stone arch bridges in South Canterbury built between 1865 and 1880 that are still in use today, one of the best examples being the gorgeous Coonoor Rd - Fairview Rd bridge over Saltwater Creek.  This one in particular is a great example of early engineering design and shows a high level of craftsmanship. The bridge was designed by the Levels Road Board at the time, engineered by one William Williamson and built by R B Sibley, there is still a marking stone on the side of the bridge, featuring the builders name and the date of construction; 1870?....the last digit being a little unreadable.

They were originally constructed by building a wooden framework which supported the weight of the prepared stones as they were laid in place.  Cement was used only as foundations and in between the stones after the gaps had been filled with chips.  Stones cut at angles to give an arch, were packed as tightly as possible.  Those last to be placed in position were the wedge shaped key-stones which locked the whole structure and gave it strength.  Once they were placed, the wooden framework was removed and the bridge was ready to take the weight of traffic.  The years have proven their durability but it’s interesting to note that originally they were constructed over waterways and streams  which only flowed in wetter periods and this has been a factor in their survival.
 
The bridges were made of local Timaru Bluestone, basalt, which was quarried from Kingsdown, large quantities of stone also came from quarries at Wai-iti and Washdyke.  Often these bridges were built as single span structures which, of course, needed widening and strengthening to cope with modern usage.  This particular bridge was beautifully restored  by Mr Kurt Kempf in the 1980’s-90’s and is an outstanding focal feature along the Otipua Creek walkway.
 

Karen Rolleston

​
Picture
1 Comment
Greg
15/9/2024 07:59:19 am

A great read thanks.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Back to Articles

    View by date

    Archives

    February 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    Featured Articles

Picture
CONTACT US
PO Box 125 Timaru 7940

Email [email protected]
Picture
Picture

© Timaru Civic Trust | Website by Corporate Print
Imagery supplied by Brian High Productions ©
  • Home
  • About Us
    • What we do
    • Meet the Team
    • Save the Date
    • Newsletters
  • Featured Articles
  • Heritage & History
    • Heritage NZ Listed Category 1
    • Awards & Grants
  • Get involved
    • Become a member
    • Make a donation chasing coin
  • Street Art
  • Blue Plaques
  • Contact
    • Links
    • Facebook Page