Good progress is being made on the annual maintenance of the Luggate Red Bridge as overnight closures continue to allow this work to happen faster and more safely, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says.

Closures have been in place Sunday to Thursday nights, between the hours of 8pm and 6am, for almost a month while the work has been carried out on the century-old bridge on State Highway 8A.

Earlier bridge inspections had revealed signs of corrosion in parts of the structural supports beneath the surface of the bridge. 

During the maintenance period, non-destructive testing has been carried out to identify the extent and location of this corrosion. Where corrosion has been found, specialised steel brackets have been added to provide additional strengthening.

In addition to this work, 85 running boards on the bridge surface have been replaced, with a further 21 to complete. 

Twenty-five per cent of the work to strengthen the bridge surface, and replacement of bolts, has been completed.

The bridge closures are expected to continue through to Thursday March 26 (excluding public holiday weekends). Motorists need to take detours or travel outside the hours of the closures. Detours are as follows:

• Light vehicles can travel via Kane and Camp Hill Roads through Hāwea Flat. It will add 25-30 minutes to the journey. (Camp Hill Road Bridge on the detour route isn’t approved for HPMV or 50MAX).
• HPMV 50MAX and HPMV Higher Mass permit holders can travel via Kane, Cemetery, Domain Roads and Capell Ave – State Highway 6 via Albert Town to State Highway 84.
• Overweight permit holders need to refer to their permit and confirm an alternate route according to their permit type or travel outside of the closure times.

NZTA thanked road users for their ongoing patience and understanding.

PHOTO: Supplied