The new Beaumont bridge is taking shape over the Clutha River. The old bridge, which will be retained, is to the left. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

Cars may be able to drive across the new Beaumont bridge in late July as construction continues.

A successful summer construction season means the new two-lane bridge across the Clutha River/Mata-au is on track for completion by the end of the year.

A Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency update said plenty of progress had been made over summer with two months of concrete work on the bridge. There is a continuous bridge surface from one side of the river to the other.

The road approaches to the new bridge were finished by the end of summer.

Lizard experts carried out a successful trapping and re-homing project involving more than 160 native southern grass skinks who were living in an area needed for a road approach to the new bridge.

A new habitat was created.

The focus now was on the installation of the bridge road barrier and constructing a footpath and cycle path.

Traffic could be using the new bridge from late July to enable the completion of other on-site work.

In spring work will focus on landscaping, road surfacing and turning the old bridge into a walking and cycling track.

Underpasses on the new bridge will help with connections to the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail, the Beaumont Hotel and the Beaumont township.

The 195m bridge, a $25 million project, is formed by curved steel girders and supported by four concrete piers.