Luggate red bridge daytime closure extends for extra week

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi work on the Luggate red bridge connecting Wānaka with Tarras and Cromwell will take another week to finish, pushing out the re-opening date.

The bridge will now be closed during daytime hours until Friday, July 26, instead of July 19. The bridge has been out of action since Monday, July 8 from the hours 9am until 5pm.

NZTA lower South Island manager Rob Choveaux says more timber running boards than originally estimated on the bridge deck have needed replacing , requiring the extra week.

He thanks the public and freight operators for their patience and understanding. 

While school buses and emergency vehicles are still able to be accommodated on the bridge at short notice, other motorists will need to continue to travel over the bridge outside of the closure hours or use detour routes. 

The alternate route for cars and vans will add 25 to 30 minutes to the journey, travelling through Hāwea Flat via Kane Road and Camp Hill Road to get to Tarras.

HPMV or 50MAX vehicles will need to take a route via Kane Road, Cemetery Road, Domain Road and Capell Avenue to State Highway Six in Albert Town.

NZTA says overweight permit holders need to refer to their permits and confirm an alternate route or travel across the bridge outside of closure times.

Main image (Supplied): A file photo of the Luggate Bridge with scaffolding platform in place for close inspection of joints and piers by members of an abseiling team.