Big crowd turns out for re-opening of Bridge of Remembrance

The footsteps of soldiers marching crossing the Bridge of Remembrance have been heard again for the first time in more than five years.

The soldiers were taking part in a re-dedication service organised by the Christchurch Memorial Returned and Services Association (RSA) to mark the end of a three year project to restore and strengthen the historic bridge and its Triumphal Arch.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel greets 103-year-old veteran Bill Mitchell.

Thousands of people crammed onto the edges of the historic bridge to witness the service, at which 103-year-old veteran Bill Mitchell joined Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel in laying wreaths at the foot of the Triumphal Arch.

Among those in the crowd was 78-year-old Les Cole, a former army captain, whose father helped build the bridge in the 1920s as a memorial to the New Zealand soldiers killed in World War 1.

The bridge has been closed to the public since the 2011 earthquakes but, thanks to a three-year restoration project, is now back to its former glory.

Christchurch Memorial RSA President Pete Dawson said it was fitting that the bridge was being rededicated on Anzac Day.

"The restoration of this iconic memorial is a major step forward in the rebuild of our city. It is also a major step forward for our RSA movement in that we will once again be able to hold significant, commemorative services on this site, particularly during the centenary of World War I, the event that prompted the building of this wonderful monument,'' Mr Dawson told the crowd.

People cram onto the Bridge of Remembrance

Mayor Dalziel said the restoration of the Bridge of Remembrance and Triumphal Arch was one of the most technically challenging jobs undertaken by the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (Scirt), but the bridge and arch were now stronger than ever.

"I'm confident we have secured the Bridge of Remembrance for generations to come,'' Mayor Dalziel said. "It is a lasting reminder of the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women of Canterbury.''

Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner said the Bridge of Remembrance held a special place in the hearts of Christchurch people and all Cantabrians.

"The repair work has been challenging but you can be assured that the Bridge of Remembrance will be here for many years to come. Originally it had 4 metre piles; they are now 27 metres deep and it is now strengthened to withstand a 1 in 2500 year earthquake event so we can be certain it is going to be here long past all of us,'' Ms Wagner said.