Bridge of Remembrance ready for re-opening

22/04/2016

The curtain is about to fall on a three year project to restore and strengthen the Bridge of Remembrance and the Triumphal Arch.

On Anzac Day the historic bridge, which has been closed to the public since the February 2011 earthquake, will be re-opened to the public for a re-dedication ceremony led by Christchurch Returned and Services Association.

For Christchurch City Council and the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (Scirt) the ceremony will spell the official end of a challenging three-year project that has returned the Bridge and Triumphal Arch to their former glory and ensured their survival for generations to come.

Scirt Downer Project Manager Alex Mowe said the repair and restoration of the Bridge and Arch had been one of the most technically challenging and rewarding projects Scirt had been involved in.

Because of the historic significance of the two structures, they had needed heritage approval for every aspect of the repair and restoration work. The two structures though were now stronger than ever.

Steel columns had been inserted inside the masonry columns of the Arch to strengthen it and a "rocking collar'' added to its base to protect it from further earthquakes.

"The Arch is a lot stronger than it was before the earthquakes - it has been strengthened to withstand a 1 in 2500 year earthquake,'' Mr Mowe said.

Council Project Sponsor John Mackie said he was thrilled with the results of the work done and pleased to be able to hand the Bridge back to the community in time for this year's Anzac Day commemorations.

"This is a big milestone for the city because the Bridge of Remembrance and Triumphal Arch are important, historic landmarks that are treasured by many,'' Mr Mackie said.

Getting to the service

The public are welcome to attend the 2pm rededication service, which will be preceded by a parade of uniformed servicemen, but should be aware acess to the site is limited and due to ongoing construction work visibility might be limited.

If you are coming in for the service, you should try and park in the east of the city centre. The recommended access point to Cashel St and the Bridge of Remembrance on the day is from Colombo St.

Oxford Tce will be closed north and south of Cashel St and access from Cambridge Tce will be down to one lane around the bridge. Access to the bridge will be restricted from the Cambridge Tce side.

Car parking is available at is the New Regent St car park on Gloucester St, the Worcester St car park, the Re-Start car park on Colombo St, and the Eastern Lichfield St car park.

A mobility drop-off zone will be available in front of the Christchurch City Council building on Hereford St.

See a map and find out more at Transport for Christchurch.(external link)

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