It is interesting the comments about heights of bridges. A few months before the flood I showed in the pictures, three low bridges were replaced by low concrete bridges with large rocks in the stream approaches. They were so low they were almost causeways. They were pre fabricated slabs on low footings. All the locals said they wouldn't survive and sure enough for each one the approaches were washed away. The authorities had so many to repair, we got our tractors and repaired some just so we didn't have to spend anymore time unable to get into town.
Apparently the thinking is though that it is cheaper to repair the roadway approaches than replace a small bridge. The bridges themselves survived intact and for most of the year are above the waterline.
Although I'm always amazed how much it seems to cost a government body to build anything. I know they have theirs properly engineered and rated etc but the numbers are always huge.
Washed out roads are a constant battle here and the residents approached the local council to suggest that if they supplied the gravel etc the landowners would fill the potholes etc themselves. We suggested two or three drop off points for the materials etc and we could have a designated day when we would do it, so we could put up safety signs etc. got knocked back on safety reasons with the end result that we have terrible roads and a council crying poor.
Some of the locals do fill the worst holes though. We have a quarry about 5 miles up the road in very dense timbered country. When I first drove a friends tractor up while he drove a small dump truck I asked who owned the quarry. Apparently a lawyer in town got the land when a local didn't pay his bill, but the lawyer has never been out to have a look. He's in for a shock when he discovers half a hill is missing! It's quite an excavation! And makes great road base.
So there is some justice in the world....
Apparently the thinking is though that it is cheaper to repair the roadway approaches than replace a small bridge. The bridges themselves survived intact and for most of the year are above the waterline.
Although I'm always amazed how much it seems to cost a government body to build anything. I know they have theirs properly engineered and rated etc but the numbers are always huge.
Washed out roads are a constant battle here and the residents approached the local council to suggest that if they supplied the gravel etc the landowners would fill the potholes etc themselves. We suggested two or three drop off points for the materials etc and we could have a designated day when we would do it, so we could put up safety signs etc. got knocked back on safety reasons with the end result that we have terrible roads and a council crying poor.
Some of the locals do fill the worst holes though. We have a quarry about 5 miles up the road in very dense timbered country. When I first drove a friends tractor up while he drove a small dump truck I asked who owned the quarry. Apparently a lawyer in town got the land when a local didn't pay his bill, but the lawyer has never been out to have a look. He's in for a shock when he discovers half a hill is missing! It's quite an excavation! And makes great road base.
So there is some justice in the world....
