The NZ Transport Agency will close the Ashburton River Bridge on SH1 tonight at 11 pm for two hours. 

Manager Pete Connors said the closure is needed to carry out on-going survey monitoring of the structure following the flood-related settlement last week.

“We will need to repeat this monitoring and two-hour closure again next week, on Tuesday, 15 June, 11 pm to 1 am. There may be one other night needed also, and we will advise early next week if it is confirmed.”

“We know these short notice closures are not ideal, and we have chosen a two hour slot with very low traffic numbers, but we need to restore this bridge to full strength as soon as possible so the monitoring and closure is essential.”

Repair options are currently being assessed. “We will keep the community and road users updated on this, once details are firmer.”

SH1 Ashburton River Bridge is open 24/7 but restricted to light vehicles only overnight, between 7pm and 7am while Waka Kotahi continues to monitor the movement of the bridge. 

Heavy vehicles are using a local detour at night, 7 pm to 7 am.