A Central Otago District Council spokesperson said the bridge would allow trucks that could not use the Little Valley Road bridge due to weight restrictions to cross the river.
Further upstream, the Little Valley Road bridge would close from late January to mid-2026 to allow the replacement of the timber deck and beams.
The Bailey bridge would remain in place for the duration of the project, allowing vehicle access until the work was complete, they said.
Breen Construction, who are undertaking the refurbishment, will be installing a temporary cycle and pedestrian access way on the bridge to allow access for all users.
Council roading manager Paul Fleet said the engineer-certified scaffold system would be monitored and maintained over the duration of the project.
The temporary cycle and pedestrian access way would be similar to the dimensions of the existing walkway which would be closed while the refurbishment was carried out.
"We are really pleased for the community and visitors that pedestrian and cycle access can continue across the road bridge, so the Otago Central Rail Trail is not affected," he said.
The temporary cycle and pedestrian access way and the Shaky Bridge footbridge downstream would offer safe ways for people to cross the river, while the Bailey bridge was suitable for vehicles, including heavy vehicles.
People were reminded parking would be limited on Walton, Rivers and Thompson Sts next to the Linger and Die Reserve for the duration of the project, for safety reasons.
— Allied Media
