Demolition of Wellington's controversial City to Sea Bridge likely won't begin before next month's local elections.

The city council wants to knock it down as quake-strengthening work could cost more than $100 million dollars.

Connecting the waterfront to the CBD via Civic Square, the pedestrian bridge and large-scale artwork was first constructed in 1990.

The Wellington Civic Trust has been fighting against demolition, and took a judicial review to court in April.

A High Court decision was made earlier this month supporting the city council, and the trust was given three days to decide whether to appeal.

It had claimed the council's decision to demolish the 33-metre bridge was flawed, but did not lodge an appeal.

Protests have taken place at the bridge this week, calling for it to stay.

Fences now cordon off the bridge, with builders and equipment being moved onto site, but the wrecking ball's still not expected in the next few weeks.

Instead, our newsroom understands there's artwork attached to the bridge that first needs to be removed - and with the artists' permission.

Councillor and mayoral candidate Diane Calvert, who wants the bridge saved, says she's never seen the council move so quickly.

Other candidates including Andrew Little have been calling for the council to slow down and not rush the process.