Work on Luggate’s Red Bridge will begin next Monday (November 30) and drivers using the route will need to be mindful of limited access over the following fortnight. 

Repair work on the bridge will involve installing scaffolding, replacing running boards, installing sub-beams and abseiling works to check and tighten all deck bolts, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said.

Given the activity will be happening both above and below the single lane bridge, it will be closed to all traffic from 9am-5pm, on weekdays, for two weeks.

“Those who usually travel via the bridge during weekdays should either try and travel outside of the times of 9am to 5pm or add extra time into their journey in order to take an alternative route,” maintenance contract manager Mark Stewart said.

During the closures an alternative route is available via Camphill Road, Kane Road, SH8A and SH6. This loop is approximately 32km and 20-25 minutes.

Detour map

The school bus is being accommodated within the closure hours.

The detour cannot accommodate HPMV (high productivity motor vehicles) and drivers of those vehicles will need to use an alternative state highway route via SH8B, Northburn to Cromwell.

“These are urgent works required at the Red Bridge, which is a single lane bridge that is over 100-years old,” Mark said. “We will endeavour to complete these works in a timely manner, over a two-week period and have scheduled work to be undertaken by teams both on the deck and underneath the bridge for efficiency.  

“Only work that is technically necessary for the safe use of the bridge will be completed as we strive to minimise the inconvenience to road users.”

The NZTA also spent around six weeks making repairs to the Red Bridge earlier this year, which limited use of the bridge by members of the public for much of April and May.

PHOTO: Wanaka App

Stay up to date with road Reports in your Wanaka App