There is good news for people travelling to and from the West Coast on State Highway 6 through the Buller Gorge.

Philip Hamblin, Acting Area Manager – Nelson/Tasman, says changes have been made to the methodology for strengthening work planned for O’Sullivan’s Bridge.

“Project engineers have adjusted the design and simplified the construction approach. It means the series of 30-minute planned closures for the bridge, previously scheduled daily from 15 to 26 June are no longer needed.”

Mr Hamblin says instead, the work will be able to be done with a series of lane closures during July.

“While this will require stop/go traffic management, it won’t be as disruptive as the original approach. Travel delays on this critical transport link will be significantly shorter.”

“Overall, it’s a much better outcome for the public,” Mr Hamblin says.

Drivers are asked to observe all traffic management in place while this project is ongoing. It is there to keep the contractors and the public safe.

Updated work schedule Ongoing until Friday 3 July. 30km/h temporary speed limit with occasional stop/go temporary traffic management (as required).

Monday 6 July to Friday 31 July. Weekdays, 7:30am - 5:30pm Stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed limit. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

18 May: O’Sullivan’s Bridge on State Highway 6 in Tasman is in line for strengthening work with contractors onsite soon to begin site preparations before road closures begin in early June.

From Monday, 25 May stop/go traffic management will be in place on State Highway 6 at O’Sullivan’s Bridge from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm on weekdays. Contractors will begin conducting site measurements on the 122 metre long, 52-year-old bridge.