Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1913-04-29

of Aberdeen will enjoy the privilege
Herald hopes they will vote in sufii-
cient numbers to prove that they ap-
preciate this new idea in local gov
ernment. The electors will decide
whether or not they will authorize
the building of new bridge across
the Wishkah river at Wishkah street,
and each should familiarize himself
or herself with the question and cast
their ballots accordingly.
The Herald is surprised to find it.
self alone in the discussion of this
important topic, the other three news.
papers electing to remain silent. They
probably have good reasons, but the
Herald feels that it owes q duty to
the community to discuss any and
all matters Of public interest to the
city of Aberdeen.
Estimate Extravaqant
The estimate Of $4,000 is extrava-
giant, as is proven by the estimates Of
bridgemen who have been attracted
to Aberdeen by reason of this con.
templated bridge, and 1t is admitted
that not more than $4,000 will be
required to erect a modern lift bridge
that will be entirely adequate for the
travel for many years, :. in fact, until
the growth of the city calls for an
other bridge at the foot Of B. c. or
d street. Yet it Is found difficult
to convince many of the fact-proved
by the words of the ordinance-that
bonds may be issued only for the
cost of the bridge, the erroneous idea
prevailing in some quarters, and be-
ing assiduously cultivated by the op-
ponents of the measure, that the en-.
tire sum of $4,000 will be expended.
Must Build Bridge Anyhow
According to the report of Expert
Lockwood, printed below, the city
must build bridge across the Wish.
kah river within short time. The
city paid Engineer Lockwood about
$4O0 for his examination of the bridge
and his plans for it's repair; he has
no interest in this city, and his re-
port is such that no private concern
would consider the repair of the struc.
ture at that figure.
The report of Engineer Lockwood,
made Nov. 6, 1912, follows
"The foundations are found to be
rather lightly constructed, and the
center pier and west abutment move
slightly back and forth, due to the
action of the tide as it rises and falls.
The piers are, however, stable verti-
cally ,and by putting in system of
horizontal bracing as shown on sheet |
No. 1, herewith, can be held in place
and made secure for a somewhat in
definite period. This length of time
cannot be definitely stated as it is
impossible to foretell just how fast
the center pier, bottom girder and in
terror bracing for the same will rust
out.
The trusses and other parts of the
steel work are found to be in good
condition. Two of the longitudinal
overhead braces have been broken |
but are now repaired in a strong and
substantial way. Two of the cross
girders and parts of the handrailing |
have been bent, but are not injured
except in appearance.
The machinery for turning the |
bridge IL in fair condition, and does |
it's work in a reliable and satisfac-
tory manner. The end lift operating
gear, however, is found to be compli-
Gated, weak and constant source of
trouble and expense. therefore sub
NIT plans and specifications herewith,
sheets 2, and 4, for a new installa.
tion for end lifts and recommend that
you have this work done.
l enclose herewith an estimate of
the cost Of the work recommended
above.
Yours very truly,
]. B. G. LOCKWOOD, M. Am. s. C. f.
The Estimated Cost
Attached to the above report is the