Dallington Bridge lifted into place as part of City to Sea Pathway

Thursday, 14 August 2025

The move marks a key milestone in the 11km-long path, which will link central Christchurch to New Brighton for walkers and cyclists.

Construction of a new river crossing in east Christchurch has reached a major milestone, with the Dallington Bridge lifted into place in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

The walking and cycling bridge, which connects Avonside Dr/Morris St to Dallington Tce, is part of the City to Sea Pathway.

The bridge was in place on Wednesday and contractors are now connecting the bridge to the abutments and pathway before landscaping the surrounding area.

The bridge is expected to open for public use by the end of September, Christchurch City Council residential red zone manager Dave Little said.

The Dallington Bridge is lifted into place in east Christchurch on Wednesday.

“We’re also set to start installing lights along the first section of the City to Sea Pathway which will continue over the coming months,” Little said.

Assembled off-site, the bridge’s design was inspired by the traditional Māori mōkihi, a small canoe once used to navigate the Ōtākaro River, and was developed by engineering and fine arts students from the University of Canterbury.

The walking and cycling bridge was assembled off-site before being moved into place.

It is the fourth and final footbridge along the western section of the pathway.

Construction on the river crossing in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor started in April.

The City to Sea Pathway, an 11km shared pathway from Oxford Tce to Pages Rd, will link the central city to New Brighton and is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Once open, the City to Sea Pathway will provide a continuous off-road route for walkers and cyclists, forming a key part of east Christchurch’s regeneration plan.