Work to repair the damaged Old Waimakariri Bridge is starting this week.

Christchurch City Council road maintenance contractors will be on site from Thursday 2 June after receiving specialised hardwood timber that meets the safety standard grade.

“The new timber is currently being cut to size to match the existing posts and replace the damaged railing on the bridge,” City Streets Maintenance Manager Steve Guy says.

“From Thursday, contractors will be at the bridge removing and disposing of the broken posts, then installing the 10 new posts and rails.”

Once on site the work should take about a week to complete. The majority of the work will take place from the riverbed so is  dependent on weather and river conditions.

“The current detour will remain in place while we’re repairing the bridge. So motorists travelling northbound towards Kaiapoi will be able to use the bridge,” Mr Guy says.

If northbound traffic was detoured it would require motorists to cross four lanes of traffic on Main North Road so detouring southbound traffic creates a shorter and safer option for road users.

"We know this work is disruptive and we're working with our contractors to ensure it is done as quickly as possible," he says.