The Luggate Red Bridge on SH8A reopened last week in good time given delays caused by rain and additional deck boards requiring replacement, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says. 

Waka Kotahi Central Otago senior network manager Robert Choveaux said it was “great work” by the Aspiring Highways crew to get the bridge deck ready for winter.

“We appreciate that people have taken a lengthy detour for nearly three weeks and the inconvenience to truck drivers,” he said. 

“However, this bridge is again in good shape.”

The newly repaired deck on the Red Bridge with isolated areas of deck replacement and additional traction ready for the winter ahead. PHOTO: Supplied

Annual maintenance of the 108-year-old, single-lane Red Bridge includes a full inspection before Christmas and before maintenance work starts to confirm the extent of work required. 

This level of on-going maintenance is based on extending the life of the bridge and currently there are no plans to replace it.

“Our rigorous maintenance regime, using the detour route, will be a regular summer/autumn fixture for some years to come,” Robert said.

The bridge is a key link between Tarras and Wānaka/Cromwell and a key part of the freight route linking Central Otago District and Queenstown Lakes District over the Clutha River/Mata-au.