A State Highway 1 bridge near Oamaru will be reduced to one lane for at least all of November while it undergoes extensive maintenance work.
The NZ Transport Agency is scheduled to start physical works on the Waiareka Creek Bridge, about 8km southwest of Oamaru, on Tuesday next week as part of a $250,000 project.
Agency network manager Chris Harris said given the type of work involved, it was necessary for at least one lane to be closed at all times and a speed restriction put in place.
''One side of the bridge will be jacked at a time while we work on the steel beams and mortar pads which support the bridge deck. Due to the nature of the work and the need to reduce vibrations from cars and trucks, traffic will be reduced to a single lane with a 30kmh temporary speed limit controlled by traffic signals 24/7. This will be in place until early December, when two-way traffic can be reinstated.
''The bridge will be closed to some over-dimension and overweight permit holders for loads that are wider than 3m, or exceed class 1 weight limits.''
He said people might experience delays and advised motorists to factor that into their travel plans between Tuesday and early December, and also respect the lowered speed limit.
''For their own safety and that of the roadworks team, we ask that people travel through the work site at the temporary speed limits.''
