Ashburton’s historic rail footbridge will be refurbished later this year, in a project that will preserve an important slice of history and ensure a safe mid-town rail crossing for future generations.

Council has awarded the tender for the special work to local company Grant Hood Contracting.

Group Manager of Infrastructure Neil McCann said it was no small job.

“First we’ll need to use a crane to remove the 25-metre central iron truss, which will be placed onto Kiwi Rail land to the south of the footbridge, to be repaired and repainted.

“Then the decking on the central truss and sections of the ramps will be removed so repairs can be made to the support piers, including the one that was damaged by a car last year. The previously identified decayed timbers will be replaced along with any others once the decking is removed. Ironwork will be cleaned, repaired, and repainted.”

The work is expected to take about six months.

Mr McCann said the footbridge has been in council hands since the early 2000s and has served as a vital pedestrian connection between East and West Street for over 100 years.

“Council adopted a Conservation Management Plan for the footbridge in 2023 and we’ve been budgeting for the work in this three-year transport cycle.

“The management plan has guided an appropriate refurbishment, and our contractor will use sustainable hardwood in accordance with the plan. It’s important the footbridge retains its heritage value, but it’s equally important the structure survives as it’s the only safe rail crossing between Havelock Street and Walnut Avenue.”

The footbridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists, to get to and from school or work. It has been acknowledged by Heritage New Zealand with a blue historic places plaque.

Mr McCann said the footbridge continued to be well used, despite its old age.

“We know it is valued for its history and it was one of the most photographed spots in a recent competition run by Heritage New Zealand.”

The project will cost about $880,000 and comes under Council’s existing budget for maintenance and renewal work on local bridges and structures. It will be partly-subsidised by NZTA.