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. 

Scaffolding teams will also set up hanging access under specific sections of the bridge in preparation for the strengthening work. This phase of work is expected to be completed by Friday, 12 June.

Steel truss bridge spans over a lush green gorge, with dense foliage below. Bright, natural light highlights the intricate metal framework.

Rob Service, Area Manager, Nelson / Tasman says O’Sullivan’s Bridge is an important part of our State Highway 6 infrastructure. These repairs are critical for keeping the network resilient and reliable, and maintaining the transport link between Nelson and the West Coast.”

Scaffolding will remain in place under the bridge until the main work begins on Monday, 15 June. This stage of the work involves multiple 30-minute closures on the top of the hour between 9 am and 3:30 pm daily,” Mr Service says.

He says during the closures, contractors will complete strengthening work underneath the bridge.

“This involves adding newer, longer bolts and new steel sections to the bridge. The team has 34 steel sections that must be installed when there is no traffic on the bridge.”

Mr Service says the bridge must be closed while this work is being carried out to ensure the safety of all road users and contractors.

“We appreciate this will affect people’s journeys. So, to help keep people moving and avoid lengthy closures, contractors will work under the bridge for 30 minutes, from the top of the hour until half past. They will then pause work and allow traffic to cross the bridge under stop/go traffic management.”

“The closures have also been timed to minimise disruption to the local school bus and students travelling to and from school,” Mr Service says.

Outside of the closure times, contractors will work from 7:30 am until 9 am, and then from 3:30 pm until 5:30 pm under stop/go traffic management. This stage of work is expected to be completed by 5:30 pm on Friday, 26 June.

Stop/go traffic management will remain in place from Monday 29 June until Friday 3 July when contractors will remove the scaffolding and complete finishing works. 

Mr Service says the work has been specifically timed to avoid peak traffic and holiday periods.

“It means we can complete the bridge strengthening when there are fewer tourists and drivers using the highway.”

He says although the weather is getting colder and the risk of snow on the detour route is a factor, it is important that this work is completed as soon as possible.