Medway Street footbridge
The Medway Street footbridge crosses the Avon River / Ōtākaro, connecting the Christchurch, New Zealand, suburbs of Richmond and Avonside. The original bridge became twisted in the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, leading to its removal in 2013. Part of the structure was placed on the river bank in October 2018 to serve as a memorial. In 2022, a new bridge was opened just to the south of the old bridge.
Old bridge
The September 2010 Canterbury earthquake caused the bridge to become twisted and unsafe. In April 2013, it was lifted by crane and cut into three pieces, and put in storage at Ferrymead Heritage Park, before a place could be found where it could serve as an earthquake memorial. In 2017, part of it was used in a temporary golf course using parts of earthquake-damaged heritage structures. The course was made by Gap Filler and Serious Fun Partnership. There was some controversy over this use, with locals suggesting that there may have been a better way to tell the bridge's story, as it was seen as an earthquake icon. They were also concerned that the council had not consulted them on the matter. The mini golf course closed in 2023 and the bridge section was returned to the Christchurch City Council.In October 2018, a different section of the bridge was placed on the river bank to serve as a memorial. There are signs on both sides of the river providing information about the former bridge.