The Luggate Red Bridge on SH8A reopens at 5pm tonight – in good time given delays caused by rain and additional deck boards requiring replacement, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
“We are really pleased that the Aspiring Highways crew has this bridge deck ready for the long King’s Birthday Weekend ahead,” says Robert Choveaux, Senior Network Manager for Waka Kotahi in Central Otago.
“We appreciate that people have taken a lengthy detour for nearly three weeks and the inconvenience to truck drivers,” he says. “However, this bridge is again in good shape.”
The newly repaired deck on the Luggate Red Bridge with isolated areas of deck replacement and additional traction ready for the winter ahead.
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,” says Mr Choveaux.
The bridge is a key link between Tarras and Wanaka/Cromwell and a key part of the freight route linking Central Otago District and Queenstown Lakes District over the Clutha River/Mata-au.
