Armagh Street bridge
The Armagh Street bridge crosses the Ōtākaro Avon River and was officially opened in 1883.
Although a bridge had been built to cross the Ōtākaro Avon River in line with Armagh Street circa 1872-1873, by 1883 the planking and cross bearers had already deteriorated. After reporting on the condition of the bridge to the Christchurch City Council, the City Surveyor, Charles Walkden, submitted his plans for a new bridge in May. By the end of the month Greig and Hunter had been accepted as the contractors.
The bridge was designed with a single span brick arch and featured stone abutments and a cast iron balustrade. It was completed in November and was formally opened by the mayor, John Ruddenklau, on 11 December 1883.
Despite not being on the original tram route which served the city prior to 1954, tracks were laid to make the bridge accessible to the tram tour circuit which opened in 1995.
The bridge suffered damage in the 2010-2011 earthquakes and repairs were carried out by SCIRT in 2014.
Armagh bridge 1
Architectural drawing of Armagh bridge 1 showing shewing half of bridge and elevation. Bottom right corner shows plan number B4, as well as handwritten reference "A5/2/10a" with a line through, and...
Armagh Street Bridge
Armagh Street Bridge. To the west is 88 Armagh Street.
Armagh Street bridge
View of a woman seated on the bank of the Avon River next to the Armagh Street bridge with Armagh Street in the background and Victoria Square to the left.
Avon River bank
View of the Avon River towards the Armagh Street bridge with Victoria Square to the left. Taken from the Victoria Street bridge.
Armagh Street bridge
Armagh Street bridge across the Avon River to Hagley Park looking South towards the central city. To the left is Park Terrace.
Bridge, Armagh Street, 1904
Armagh Street bridge across the Avon River looking South towards the central city.
Armagh Street bridge
View of the Armagh Street bridge crossing the Avon River from Victoria Square. In the background are the Canterbury Provincial Council buildings.