Luggate’s Red Bridge, on SH8A near Wanaka, will be closed Monday and Tuesday, 15 and 16 August, for scaffolding to come down now that bridge repairs are completed, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

On closure days, people who use the bridge between 9am and 5pm will need to either take the detour route or travel outside these times, says Waka Kotahi Senior Network Manager Robert Choveaux.

“While the repair work has strengthened the damaged area, the rest of the pier on this 100-year-old-plus structure is not reinforced,” he says.

“So we need all drivers and in particular heavy vehicle drivers to continue to drop their speeds to 30km/h when they use the Red Bridge.

“Options to control bridge speed with traffic lights are being looked into, similar to the system used on the Beaumont Bridge.”

Aspiring Highways maintains the state highways in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District for Waka Kotahi.

The detour route and which vehicles can use it

The detour route, unsuitable for 50Max and HPMV, north of SH8A is via Kane Road, Camphill Road and SH6.

It will add around 30 minutes to your journey time.

50 Max can travel via Kane Road, Cemetery Road, Domain Road and Capell Avenue

HPMV via their permitted route and will need to travel outside of these times.

Overweight vehicle drivers also refer to their permits.

“We thank all road users, residents and freight operators for their patience and understanding,” says Mr Choveaux.

• Arrangements have been made to accommodate the school buses.
• Emergency vehicles will also be accommodated at short notice.

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