Edith Cavell bridge

Edith Cavell Bridge from Queenstown end

Edith Cavell bridge is a bridge over the Shotover River in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand.

Location

Built at Arthurs Point, between Queenstown and Arrowtown, this single-lane bridge straddles the Shotover River. It is adjacent to the popular Shotover Jet tourist attraction and is often photographed.

Construction

The design was conceived by F. W. Furkert, the 'Inspecting Engineer of the Public Works Department' and is a parabolic rib arch truss design. This was the second bridge of this type in New Zealand, the first being the Grafton Bridge in Auckland.

It was built from concrete and steel between 1 November 1917 and 13 February 1919 by Steve Auburn and cost over £8,000.[1]

Name

The route improved by the bridge was a well travelled one by gold miners. One old miner, Jack (John) Clark, took it upon himself to name the bridge 'The Edith Cavell Bridge' in honour of the famous nurse. He lived in a sod hut overlooking the bridge. His suggestion was not popular with the County council, but he painted 'To Cavell Bridge' on a sign approaching the bridge. John Clark also painted 'Edith Cavell bridge' on the bridge itself. Eventually the name stuck.[2] [3]

References

  1. ↑ F.W.G. Miller. (1949) Golden Days of Lake County. Whitcombe and Tombs. p288-289.
  2. ↑ Knudson, Danny (2012) Edith Cavell, a bridge and bravery, Queenstown and District Historical Society
  3. ↑ http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=4371

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Edith Cavell bridge.

Coordinates: 44°59′17.9″S 168°40′18.8″E / 44.988306°S 168.671889°E