Historic Helmore's Lane bridge reopens

A flock of sheep were driven over Christchurch's only surviving 19th century timber bridge this week to mark its reopening.

The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team have spent five months repairing the 150-year-old Helmore's Lane Bridge, which spans the Avon in Little Hagley Park.

The bridge was built in 1866 by barrister and solicitor Joseph Cornish Helmore, who owned a 50 acre block on the north bank of the river and lived in Helmore’s Lane.  He recognised the benefits of a short-cut across the river for the journey to his city practice, and for stock being driven to the new Riccarton sale yards, which opened the same year the bridge was constructed. It also provided a selling point for the subdivision of his land.

Cr Jamie Gough herds sheep across the newly reopened Helmore's Lane bridge.

Today the bridge sees more lycra than lambs as it is a popular leg in the Hagley Park running and walking circuit.

Fendalton-Waimairi ward Councillor Jamie Gough, who officially re-opened the bridge on Monday said, the restoration work on the bridge had saved a piece of Christchurch's history and returned a special asset to the community.

SCIRT Executive General Manager Ian Campbell said it was a more complicated restoration project than originally thought.

“When we first opened up under the bridge, we found far more rotten beams and damage than expected. The challenge was to maintain the basic heritage structure while incorporating new, authentic materials where possible.

“We also incorporated recycled materials. About 30 bridge piles of Jarrah hardwood from two old dismantled bridges over the Waitaki River were used to make new hand rails, posts and cross beams.

“Our McConnell Dowell team has done a sensitive, thorough restoration job - one that will see this bridge stand up well into next century,” he said.