New Avon River bridge in east Christchurch ends first phase of City to Sea Pathway

Monday, 28 April 2025

Construction on a river crossing in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor starts this week, concluding the first phase of Christchurch’s City to Sea Pathway.

The new Dallington bridge is expected to be completed by the end of August.

The 11-kilometre-long shared-use pathway intends to follow the Avon river from the central city to New Brighton.

The Christchurch City Council said the full route should be completed by 2027.

Based on concepts created by University of Canterbury’s engineering and fine arts students, the bridge is inspired by Mōkihi, a small canoe-type vessel fashioned from raupō and flax once used on Ōtākaro.

The structure’s design will be the fourth and final walking and cycling bridge on the Avon river.

The bridge is being assembled off-site and will be lifted by crane to the river, in a public event.

Residential Red Zone manager Dave Little said the council was pleased to see construction start.

“We know the community are really looking forward to enjoying the western section of the City to Sea Pathway on completion.”

He acknowledged the generous support of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeals Trust (CEAT), a charity responsible for the allocation of money raised by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to support recovery initiatives.

Temporary fencing and signage will be installed around the site during the construction period, he said, to redirect pedestrians and cyclists around the area.

The council also recommends dogs be kept on a leash near the site due to the increased vehicles and equipment.

“We appreciate these works will be disruptive and thank the community for their patience during the construction period,” Little said.

Little said the bridge cost $3 million, all covered by CEAT so not ratepayer funded.

A lot of the cost was for the foundations, he said.