The Clutha District Council said the bridge had deteriorated over several years and was under "severe" weight restrictions for safety reasons.
The NZTA will contribute 59% of the $1.13million budget to strengthen the bridge while the council would pay the remaining 41%. The timeframe for the work will not be known until the tender for the work is secured and a project plan is put in place.
The work required to bring the bridge up to standard was "significant". The strengthening will allow vehicles as heavy as 44 tonnes to cross the bridge.
Bridge closures will be expected once work commences but it was necessary to bring the bridge up to standard.
The council said it was pleased the project was going ahead, as it would secure the long-term connection to Jack’s Bay. The bridge is a significant link to the community there.
Tenders for the project close on March 27.
