Luggate Red Bridge under Stop/Go for five weeks, then two weeks daytime closures for traffic signals, early June into July

The Luggate Red Bridge on SH8A will be closed daytimes for two weeks, following five weeks of wider maintenance starting early June, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Essential maintenance is needed on the 110-year-old historic bridge in Queenstown Lakes District, using abseilers beneath the deck. In addition, traffic signals are being installed to manage the bridge’s single lane flows and the impact made by heavy vehicles.

• The wider work on the bridge will start on Tuesday 4 June, using Stop/Go traffic management to keep traffic flowing around the work site.

• The work day and Stop/Go delays will run between 9 am and 5 pm weekdays.

• An additional two-week daytime closure will be needed after this for traffic signals to be installed – Monday, 8 July – Friday, 19 July, also 9 am to 5 pm.

The bridge is a key link between Tarras and Cromwell/Wanaka, but detour routes are available for traffic during the closure times, says Robert Choveaux, System Manager for NZTA, Lower South Island.

The detours are slightly different for HPMV Higher Mass vehicles than earlier years, says Mr Choveaux.  Other vehicles will have the same detours as earlier years. (See details below).

The Luggate Bridge with scaffolding platform in place for close inspection of joints and piers by the abseiling team previous years.

Abseilers working for Aspiring Highways will be working above the Clutha River/ Mata-Au tightening bolts, and checking deck running boards.

People who usually use the bridge daytime hours will need to either take the detour route or travel outside of these times while the two-week traffic signal installation is underway, says Mr Choveaux.

For the full daytime closure period, 8-19 July, weekdays only:

• Light vehicles (cars, vans) 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 vehicles and HPMV Higher Mass permit holders can travel via Kane, Cemetery, Domain Roads and Capell Ave - SH6 via Albert Town to SH84.
• 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.

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

“We thank the travelling public 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.

The Luggate Bridge detour route which is not suitable for all vehicles (see notes above).