People who drive over the Luggate Red Bridge on SH8A near Cromwell will notice some activity around the new traffic signals this week.
The new traffic signals, controlling access at each end, will be fully operational from the week starting 21 October. They are being tested this week, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Traffic signals all ready to be unwrapped and tested at the Luggate Red Bridge over the Clutha River/Mata-Au.
The traffic lights will help manage the bridge’s single-lane flows, making it safer for motorists travelling on this key link between Tarras and Wānaka/Cromwell. They will also help extend the life of this single lane, 110-year-old bridge which regularly gets maintenance and inspections to ensure all road users’ safety.
The traffic signals will help to protect the historic bridge from the impact of heavy, modern vehicles by slowing down their approach speed so they have less damaging impact upon the bridge as they travel across it.
The bridge is a part of the essential freight route linking Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts over the Clutha River/Mata-au.
Cameras that have been installed on the bridge will give a direct feed back to the NZTA Wellington Transport Operations Centre network controls team so they can monitor traffic flows and make adjustments if needed.
