Repair work on bridge underway

Work has begun on the earthquake damaged Avondale Bridge.

The bridge is one of nine road bridges across the Avon River in the eastern suburbs which are being repaired or rebuilt.

Before the bridge's closure in the New Year the centre piles of the bridge will be repaired said the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team.

"Leading into Christmas this year, the bridge caps or centre piles will be repaired. A temporary shingle path is being built out into the river to allow heavy machinery access," said SCIRT general manager Duncan Gibb.

"The bridge will be temporarily supported while the existing abutment is demolished," he said.

The bridge will remain open to traffic while the centre piles are repaired, but traffic management will be in place when a crane will be used to lower material over the side.

"During the works, pedestrians, people with buggies, mobility scooter drivers, cyclists will be able to cross using a temporary pedestrian bridge which will join the existing bridge and bank," he said.

Traffic coming into Avondale via New Brighton Rd will be detoured to the next bridge east, Anzac Dr, then onto Wainoni Rd and back into Avondale.

Contractor responsible for the repairs, McConnell Dowell will hold an open day at the bridge November 24, 10am to 2pm. Avondale's bridge will be closed to road traffic from 14 January next year to August.

If wet, the open day will be held on the same date, same time at the All Saints Church, 305 New Brighton Rd, Burwood.