Traffic wanting to cross the Beaumont bridge yesterday faced 15-minute delays as engineers had a closer look at what will inevitably be more repairs to the structure.
The delays surprised many motorists who had not been warned, but a New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman said yesterday's temporary closure was to allow staff to inspect the underside of the bridge and determine the extent of the work needed.
The work to be carried out is part of a major restoration last year which involved new decking and other associated works which meant the bridge was closed at nights.
"What was being looked at [yesterday] was about the last 15% of that project that is yet to be done," the spokesman said.
Engineers needed a cherry-picker to hang one of their staff over the side of the bridge and make a close inspection.
The temporary closures were not advertised but the spokesman said the repair work would be heavily promoted beforehand.
