Deviation At Rail Bridge

At crack of dawn on Sunday, October 28, the Waipaoa railway bridge was a scene of unusual activity. A bridge gang and three track gangs descended on the locality, armed with tools of trade and a 10–ton steam crane.

In short order four 30ft spans at the Muriwai end of the bridge were lifted out by the crane. All day the gangs laboured. The crane fetched and carried. Bridge timbers were adzed, drilled, and secured. Sleepers were laid and rails spiked. By 9 p. m. the long day's work was over, the bridge was open again, and the rails linked with a new deviation by–passing the western end of the bridge and a section of the permanent way.

All this is part of the master plan for Waipaoa River control. The railway bridge, near the mouth the river, is to be raised by 2ft and extended by 35Oft. Trains will use the deviation until this work is complete.

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While steam crane on deviation brings timber, men press on with construction work at Muriwai end of bridge. Engine in distance is on main line.

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Signals control crane as bridge timber is lowered into place.