Rakaia Gorge Bridge
A proposition was received in 1874 by the Provincial Government for the construction of the bridges at the Upper Rakaia, making use of the small island at the gorge. Initially turned down due to lack of finance, the bridge on the northern side was eventually completed in 1882.
This bridge is of particular interest as it is one of only two bridges in the world built from the Bollman-Truss design. The wooden bridge on the southern side was completed in 1884 and replaced in 1945 by the existing concrete bridge.
The Selwyn Company Home Guard, formed during World War II built a rock fortification near the side of the ferryman's cottage in sight of the bridges. This may have been part of the war-time defences for the bridge.
![Rakaia Gorge Bridge [ca. 1921]](../../images/content/rakaia-gorge-bridge.jpg)
Rakaia Gorge Bridge [ca. 1921]. Source: Christchurch City Council