Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor  |  Yesterday

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The opening of the new Dallington Bridge was celebrated in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC) today.

A ceremony was held to mark the opening of the bridge, which is the fourth and final walking and cycling bridge to be constructed as part of the Corridor's Regeneration Plan.  

The opening was attended by mana whenua, elected members, community groups, and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust (CEAT), who provided the funding for the bridge. 

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust was an independent charity established to administer public donations raised by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. 

The new bridge is based on concepts created by engineering and fine arts students from the University of Canterbury.   

Its design is inspired by Mōkihi, a small canoe-type vessel fashioned from raupō and flax.  These were more suitable than waka for navigating streams and small rivers, such as the Ōtākaro.  

Residential Red Zone Manager Dave Little expressed Council’s gratitude for the Trusts’ support in funding the new Dallington bridge, noting that this marks their final contribution to the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.   

“ We’re thankful to the Trust for their generosity. Their funding for this new bridge not only opens up more of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor for people to enjoy, but it’s also given us a really important financial boost. 

“We know the community is very excited and looking forward to using the Pathway, especially as summer approaches.” 

The opening of the bridge completes the first phase of the City to Sea Pathway, linking the Pathway from the corner of Avonside Drive/Morris Street to Dallington Terrace. 

The City to Sea Pathway is an 11-kilometre-long shared-use path following the river from the central city to New Brighton.   

The Pathway is being designed and constructed in three sections, with the final section expected to be completed in 2027. 

Lighting will be installed on the western section in October and will take four weeks to complete.   

Directional signage will be installed along the route following the installation of the lighting.  

Construction of the eastern portion of the City to Sea Pathway - from Porritt Park to SH74 - will start early in the new year. This section is expected to be completed and open for use by the middle of 2026.