Location
The bridge spans the Avon River at the end of Cashel Mall.
Description
A stone bridge spanning the Avon River with a large ornate archway spanning the East end of the bridge. It is a War Memorial erected by the citizens of Christchurch to initially honour the sacrifice made during the 1914–1918 Great War, in 1923.
Update - April 2012
Options for permanently repairing the bridge and arch are currently being investigated. We are aware that the site holds great significance for veterans, their families and the wider community.
The Bridge of Remembrance was structurally damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake, but inspections soon after suggested it was stable. There was no apparent worsening of the structure as a result of the aftershocks on 13 June 2011 and 23 December 2011. From January to April 2012 tests were carried out to determine the ground conditions around the bridge abutments. This information is essential as part of the design process to develop the best permanent repair strategy for the Bridge.
The decision to permanently repair the bridge also meant that there was no need to pursue earlier proposals to temporarily prop the structure. The Council’s Heritage Team have been involved in discussions around preferred methods for repair, and the consenting process.
Other recent work has included temporary repairs to the steps at the western access to the bridge. A previously unknown water leak which had potential to affect the foundations was identified and has been repaired.
Visitor information will be installed near the bridge in time for Anzac Day 2012.
Download a short history of the Bridge of Remembrance [PDF 1MB]
