Pedestrian bridges in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor

We’d like to hear what you think about proposed plans for three pedestrian/cycle bridges (two replacement bridges and one in a new location) that will be developed along the Green Spine of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

Project status: Closed for feedback
Open for feedback: 2 June 2020 to 29 June 2020

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Consultation has now closed

Update 27 August 2020

Feedback on pedestrian/cycle bridges in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor

In total, we received 91 pieces of feedback on the pedestrian / cycle bridges. This included feedback from the following groups and organisations:

  • The Dallington Residents Association
  • Avondale Neighbours Group
  • Rise Up Richmond
  • Greening the Red Zone
  • Avebury House
  • Richmond Community Garden Trust
  • Generation Zero
  • Canterbury DHB

More than half of the feedback received was, at least in part, positive about the bridges. People were particularly positive about the bridges being reinstated, and the opportunities this would bring.

However, many submitters were less positive about the designs of the bridges. Specifically, people mentioned:

  • A dislike of the colour white (because it doesn’t blend into the environment).
  • Concerns around lack of any cultural identity.
  • Concerns around lack of community involvement in the designs to date, and the absence of any local ‘flavour’ (eg Medway’s twisted bridge). 

People were particularly disappointed in the design of Medway Bridge, which was described as ‘very plain’, a ‘blank slate’ and ‘the least designed out of the 3’.

We also received comments from people who felt that building bridges was not a priority at this time (11 comments /12% of feedback received), with the Avondale Bridge specifically highlighted by six people as being unnecessary.  On this point it’s worth mentioning that these bridges are funded by money from the Canterbury Earthquake Appeals Trust and are therefore not a cost to ratepayers.

An update on progress

We’ve been working with Matapopore on how we should incorporate Ngāi Tahu and mana whenua identity into the bridges and Dallington landing, and they are providing us with guidance on embedding cultural values and narrative.

Some people asked about how the bridges will be lit. We’re still confirming what lighting will be required where, but if it is required, it’s likely to be integrated into the bridge handrails. We’re also still determining exactly what wayfinding signage will be required, but we do know that there will definitely be signage to help people navigate their way around the corridor.

Table of all feedback received   [PDF, 327 KB]

Snell Place Bridge

Medway Bridge

Avondale Bridge


Supporting safe, strong and healthy communities that are well connected to each other and with the wider city is one of the objectives of the Ōtākaro Avon River Regeneration Plan. Re-establishing connections that were severed due to the earthquakes, and making new connections through and across the area, are all part of how we can support communities, and encourage more people to enjoy the area more regularly.

We’ll be working with the Matapopore Charitable Trust to integrate Ngāi Tūāhuriri / Ngāi Tahu cultural values and narratives into the design of these bridges.

Avondale Bridge

This new bridge provides a connection between the Avondale and Aranui communities, the Donnell Sports Park and the future Eastern Reach wetland restoration area.

This steel truss bridge has a 45m span and is 4.5m high with a walkway that’s 3m wide. We’ve chosen a concrete deck to help minimise vibration, and to make it more resilient in any future earthquakes. It also has sliding and jackable abutments, to mitigate lateral spreading.

As the bridge is approximately 1m higher than the existing stopbanks, there are ramps leading up to it for access.

The design of the bridge will acknowledge the connection between Ngāi Tūāhuriri / Ngāi Tahu and Ōruapaeroa (Travis Wetland) which was once a kāinga mahinga kai (a food gathering place and settlement).

Medway Bridge

The Medway Bridge reinstates a pedestrian/cycle connection that has been missing since the previous bridge was famously buckled in the September 2010 earthquake.

In designing this bridge, we considered the expansive views and how the surrounding regeneration area creates a sense of space. The bridge’s white trusses are designed to blend in with the sky rather than the land.

This steel truss bridge has a 45m span and is 4.5m high with a walkway that’s 3m wide. We’ve chosen a concrete deck to help minimise vibration, and to make it more resilient in any future earthquakes. It also has sliding and jackable abutments to mitigate lateral spreading.

As the bridge is approximately 1m higher than the existing stopbanks, there are ramps leading up to it for access.

Snell Bridge

The Snell Bridge follows the same alignment as the old pedestrian bridge that was damaged in the earthquakes. It reconnects Dallington and Avondale and provides an important connection to and from Avon Park.

In designing this bridge, we considered the forest regeneration planned for this area, and how the bridge could create a connection between land, water and sky. The arches are designed to draw the eye upwards, with the white trusses creating a connection with the sky.

This steel truss bridge has a 35m span and is 4.5m high with a walkway that’s 3m wide. We’ve chosen a concrete deck to help minimise vibration, and to make it more resilient in any future earthquakes. It also has sliding and jackable abutments to mitigate lateral spreading.

As the bridge is approximately 1m higher than the existing stopbanks, there are ramps leading up to it for access.

We’re also seeking feedback on the Dallington Landing(external link) – the first of the riverside landings that will be developed along the Green Spine of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

Why are we doing these bridges first?

About the ‘Green Spine’ 

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How the decision is made

  • Closed for feedback

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