Regular evening closures are planned for the Luggate Red Bridge from next week, as resurfacing and inspection work gets underway on the historic structure.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the bridge, on SH8A, will be closed overnight from this Sunday (January 18) through to Thursday March 26, between 8pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday.

“The closures are to allow routine and necessary maintenance that includes deck running board replacements, structural strengthening and checking and tightening of bolted deck connections,” an NZTA spokesperson told the Wānaka App. 

“The work may also require abseilers working below the bridge surface over the Clutha River/ Mata-Au. All of this work is about ensuring safety of road users.”

The spokesperson said the work had been scheduled to minimise the impact on road users and provide work teams extra daylight hours to fit in the work.

During the closure period, road users will need to take the detour via Hāwea Flat - Kane Road, Camphill Road, SH6. The detour is approximately 32km and is expected to take around 20 to 25 minutes.

The work is part of an ongoing programme to maintain the 1915 bridge, which was designed for much lighter and less frequent traffic than it now carries.

There will be no closures on Friday or Saturday nights, and no closures during long weekends.

PHOTO: Wānaka App.