Work is nearing an end on strengthening the Kawarau River (Bungy) Bridge on State highway 6 between Cromwell and Queenstown.
The $1.1 million bridge strengthening job that started in January, will extend the life of the 50-year-old bridge and remove overweight vehicle restrictions for heavy vehicles. Most of the work on the bridge, adjacent to the AJ Hackett Bungy site between Cromwell and Queenstown, has been below the bridge deck and isn’t visible to road users.
NZ Transport Agency Senior Network Manager John Jarvis says the work being carried out by Fulton Hogan, includes replacing 1400 bolts and the installation of new structural components and shock absorbers at each end of the bridge to reduce vehicle load stress in the steel arch truss.
“Deck repairs, starting on Monday 14 July and scheduled for completion on Saturday19 July, make it necessary to reduce the bridge to a single traffic lane with a 10km/h speed restriction that will operate 24 hours a day. Delays for motorists should be minimal and no full bridge closures are required.”
Mr Jarvis said because of the temporary props supporting the bridge deck during the repairs, no overweight vehicles can use the bridge during the repair period from Monday 14 July through to until their scheduled completion on Saturday 19 July.
Road transport operators have been advised of the vehicle weight restrictions he said.
Onsite electronic signs are being used to provide motorists with the latest information on restrictions. Information about this work is also available at the Transport Agency’s website(external link) or by phoning 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
For more information please contact:
John Jarvis
Senior Network Manager Otago
T 03 951 3009
M 027 435 9567
E john.jarvis@nzta.govt.nz
