Two day closure of Luggate’s Red Bridge, SH8A, near Wanaka

Luggate’s Red Bridge, on SH8A near Wanaka, will be closed early in July for two days so scaffolding can be installed safely and preparatory work done ahead of upcoming bridge repairs, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The bridge will be shut on Monday and Tuesday, 4 and 5 July, between 9 am and 5 pm.

People who usually use the bridge daytime hours will need to either take the detour route or travel outside of these times, says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi in Central Otago.

Why the repair?

Earlier this year, during scheduled bridge inspections, damage to one of the piers was identified, says Mr Standring. The cause of this damage is likely due to the high level of dynamic loading from heavy vehicles exceeding the 30km/h maximum speed limit on the bridge, he says.

“This critical work on the more than 100-year-old bridge, that includes installation of scaffolding, concrete repair and additional strengthening works means the bridge will need to be closed for those two days, daytime hours,” he says.

“The repair will take up to three weeks and it will also require the bridge to be closed at different times as work progresses. It is always challenging to undertake work on this historic, single lane bridge safely, while minimising the impact on our road users. During the repair and strengthening works, Aspiring Highways will also investigate a new deck design.”

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

The detour and which vehicles can use it

During the closures, a detour for traffic will be in place via Kane Rd – Camphill Rd – SH6 – Shortcut Rd (SH8A). This loop is approximately 32km and 20 – 25 minutes.

• Overweight vehicle drivers need to refer to their permit and confirm an alternate route according to their permit type or travel outside of the closure times.
• Camp Hill Road Bridge on the detour route isn’t approved for HPMV or 50Max: these vehicles will have to travel outside of the closure times.

“On closure days those who usually travel via the bridge should either try and travel outside of the times of nine to five or add extra time into their journey to take the alternative route if they are approved to do so,” says Mr Standring.

“We thank the travelling public and freight operators for their patience and understanding.”

Arrangements have been made to accommodate the school buses.

Emergency vehicles will also be accommodated at short notice.

Luggate's Red Bridge (SH8A near Wanaka) detour route.