Damaged in the quakes, Christchurch's Medway Street Bridge used to be a spectacular sight as it spanned the Avon River.
The bridge, in the heart of the city's riverside red zone, was removed today for "health and safety reasons", after being damaged nearly two years ago.
The bridge was quite a tourist attraction, after becoming a prominent symbol of the city's quakes.
A man working on the bridge today, Graeme Spinks, says that the Christchurch City Council has wasted its time by removing the icon.
"Sometimes health and safety can go too far. What's the worst that can happen? You fall off the bridge, you fall into the mucky water," he says.
Residents and tourist operators wanted the bridge kept there, but the council went ahead and ordered its removal.
Resident Kathryn Ferris was sad to see it go.
"I think it's quite sad today. I’d love to see the bridge left there as a monument to the earthquake and the force of what the earthquake has done," she says.
But another resident, Evan Smith, agreed with the council's decision, saying the bridge was dangerous.
"There are real issues with the kids crossing it, so I think it's best to be taken down and made safe. But hopefully it'll be retained as a memorial. That's what we certainly are aiming for," he says.
The bridge is being cut into three and transported to Ferrymead Historic Park for storage while a decision is made on its future.
3 News
source: newshub archive
