SH73 bridge closure for road resurfacing

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 27 Feb 2026 10:06am | West Coast

An overnight closure is scheduled for Kellys Creek Bridge, on the West Coast side of State Highway 73, and road users are encouraged to plan for it.

The closure of the bridge, between Otira and Jacksons, is planned for 8pm Monday 16 March through to 5am Tuesday 17 March, 2026. It will allow contractors to safely carry out road resurfacing work and has been timed to minimise the disruption to the travelling public.

The available detour via State Highway 7/Lewis Pass will add approximately 1 to 1.5 hours’ travel time, so people are encouraged to allow for this additional travel time or consider travelling outside of the closure time if practical.

If poor weather is forecast closer to the time, the work will be rescheduled to the night of Tuesday 17 March. 

We appreciate peoples’ patience as this necessary work is completed for the benefit of all road users.