Ferrymead Bridge as it is now, pictured from the Bridle Path turnoff.

New Ferrymead bridge

Design options for a new Ferrymead Bridge are expected over summer.
The bridge will provide a new two lane carriageway and cycleway across the estuary, easing peak time traffic congestion on and in the vicinity of the existing bridge.
The new bridge will be "earthquake-proof", safeguarding a number of essential services to suburbs around Sumner.
Council strategic roading planner Paul Roberts says the project will save travel time, reduce accidents and help cushion the possible impact of a natural disaster on some 10,000 Christchurch residents.

"The Ferrymead bridge currently caters for about 25,000 vehicles a day&.
Drivers using the side roads on either side of the bridge at peak time experience delays. These are forecast to grow significantly worse - from around 30 seconds now to over seven minutes within 10 years.quot;

"The bridge also has a strategic value, carrying water and sewer mains to Mt Pleasant, phone services from the Mt Pleasant exchange to Woolston and low voltage power lines. The existing 32-year-old structure would be vulnerable to an earthquake, flood or tidal wave. Maintaining these services and emergency vehicle access is an additional very important reason for a new bridge," he said.

Two design options are expected to be presented in the summer for feedback from the public, particularly residents of the suburbs served by the bridge.
Provisional budget has been set at nearly $5 million for a new bridge and changes on the approach roads, including the Ferry Road/Humphreys Drive intersection.

The benefits of the scheme are estimated at nearly three times this value.
Construction is expected to start in 2002.