Otara Bridge strengthening work update - 26 February

They have started welding steel plates to the bottom of the horizontal beam of the bridge, with more strengthening plates to be welded to the top of the beam.

When that is done, the plates will be treated inside and outside to prevent corrosion. They'll also be cleaning and inspecting the vertical hangars for signs of fatigue.

Work on the bridge is expected to be completed by the end of April, with the bridge being closed to vehicles between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm so contractors can work uninterrupted.

While work continues, the current restrictions still apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.