Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Two single lane bridges in South Westland, just south of Fox Glacier township, are getting routine maintenance repairs from Tuesday, 11 April into May, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Drivers who travel south of Fox Glacier may have up to 50 minutes or at worst, two hour waits while this work is completed.
Openings on the hour – overnights initially
Fox River Bridge, closest to Fox Glacier township, will close overnight from 11 – 14 April (Tuesday to Friday). The road will close at 10pm and reopen at 6am.
“The bridge will open on the hour, every hour to allow traffic to pass,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi on the West Coast. If the weather is wet, these times may be rescheduled.
Cook River Bridge to the south will also close overnight, 10pm to 6 am, from 17 – 21 April, Monday to Friday and again 26-28 April, Wednesday to Friday. As for Fox River Bridge, these repairs are weather dependent and if it is wet, they may be rescheduled.
Week of 1-5 May, daytime closures
More work is planned for the Cook River Bridge during daytimes, 6 am to 6 pm, Monday to Wednesday, 1-3 May and again on Friday, 5 May. Traffic will be allowed across at the top of each daytime hour.
On Thursday, 4 May the bridge will close for two full hours before midday and after 1 pm: 10am – 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. During these times there will be no access.
All these planned closures are dependent upon good weather and if it is wet, they may be rescheduled. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at short notice.
Waka Kotahi thanks all SH6 South Westland drivers for their patience while this key work on these single lane structures is safely completed ahead of winter.
Electronic signs will advertise and update closure dates at Makarora, Haast, Fox Glacier, Hokitika and also at Fox Glacier and Bruce Bay.
Fox River Bridge updates(external link)
Cook River Bridge updates(external link)
