Wednesday 24 April 2013

Bridge Of Remembrance Repairs To Begin

Work to repair the earthquake-damaged Bridge of Remembrance will start next week, following ANZAC Day commemorations across the city.

The work, which will be carried out by the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) contractors as part of the infrastructure rebuild, will take around 18 months to complete. The Council has briefed RSA and business representatives on the repair time and undertaken to have the site available in some form to mark the August 2014 commemoration of the beginning of the Great War.

The Bridge of Remembrance was structurally damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake, and detailed examinations of its structure have determined that extensive technical repair work is required to restore it to its former glory.

Unit Manager of City and Environment John Mackie says, “We know that this site holds great significance for veterans, their families and the wider community, that is why we are starting the repairs to the Bridge of Remembrance and Arch now.

“The Council understands the significance to the Christchurch and wider New Zealand community, the commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of World War 1 in August 2014, and will work closely with contractors to see if it is possible to have parts of the bridge open in some form for an event. The repair work will be complex and technical, and the aim is to rebuild a stronger structure, better able to withstand any future earthquakes.”

For further information on the Bridge of Remembrance, please visit the Council’s website:

www.ccc.govt.nz/cityleisure/artsculture/artinthecity/statues/thebridgeofremembrance.aspx

ENDS

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