New lights for old red bridge near Luggate

Newly installed traffic lights are set to be switched on at each end of the 110-year-old red bridge that carries State Highway 8A over the Clutha/Mata-Au River near Luggate.

The lights will control access at each end of the bridge, in a move aimed at minimising impact to the historic piece of roading infrastructure and extending its life.

In a statement announcing the change, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Transport Agency says the lights will help manage the bridge’s single-lane flows, making it safer for motorists too.

The lights are expected to be fully operational from next week, but people who drive over the bridge will notice some activity this week too, as the lights are tested.

"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 spokesperson says.

"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."

The bridge is a part of the highway route linking the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts.

The route takes motorists between Tarras and Wānaka.

The bridge is regularly subject to maintenance and inspections to ensure it is safe, and in July a series of rolling closures allowed roading crews to tighten bolts and check and replace deck running boards.

Main image (Supplied/NZTA): Traffic lights are ready to be unwrapped and tested at the Luggate Red Bridge over the Clutha/Mata-Au River.