30 June 2008

Painting to commence on Hereford Street Bridge

A city landmark will be getting a makeover beginning Monday, 30 June, when workers start preparations to paint the Hereford Street Bridge.

Originally built in 1937-1938, it is believed the grey concrete of the bridge was painted for the first and only time in the 1980s. A new colour scheme of cream, gold and International Orange has been chosen to compliment the bridge's art deco style.

The new paint pallet will brighten the bridge and will enhance its multi-coloured lighting scheme, says Christchurch City Council Urban Designer Brendan Smyth.

"The existing cream and pink were very popular in the 1980s but aren't appropriate for the time of the original construction. With the new colour scheme, the whole bridge will sparkle."

The paint work is part of an ongoing maintenance cycle for the bridge, which will also include regular cleaning and repair of damage to the fabric of the structure.

During this work, the bridge pavement will be closed on one side while it is being painted. Pedestrian traffic will be diverted to the other side. Once the first side is painted, the process will be repeated for the second side.

Work is estimated to take approximately four weeks. A traffic management plan has been prepared by City Care.

Similar work is being planned for other bridges along the Avon River that have been identified as needing maintenance.

ENDS

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