UC students designing new Dallington red zone footbridge

Christchurch City Council staff are working with University of Canterbury students to design a fourth pedestrian bridge for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

Seven civil engineering and fine arts students are working on concept drawings for the new Dallington bridge. This footbridge will be situated near Robson Avenue and provide the final, vital river crossing for the future City to Sea Pathway.

The Council’s Head of Parks, Andrew Rutledge, says the third- and fourth-year students have been provided with the dimensions, budget and the cultural narrative of the area, and are being encouraged to explore ways to incorporate sustainability into their design.

“This is a great example of finding ways that we can involve the community in the development of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area,” Mr Rutledge says.

“The students are very motivated and are already looking at how they can use recycled materials in the design, as well as different ways to portray the cultural narrative for the area.”

Third-year civil engineering student Giselle Dousti says being involved in a project that has real-world application was an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.

“It’s really exciting to work on something in real life, and it’s been a great opportunity to work with the fine arts students on how we can bring their creative ideas to life,” she says.

The students will regularly check in with the Council’s red zone team as their designs progress.

Mana whenua and key groups will review and provide feedback on the concepts. Council staff will then undertake cost and concept reviews, then incorporate structural requirements and safety standards, and finalise the design.

Construction of the new bridge is scheduled to begin in winter 2023 and open in time for next summer.