Work will begin this week on the replacement of two timber staircases, situated on Bob's Peak, Queenstown, Queenstown Lakes District Council parks project manager Anne Relling said.

"A small staircase will be replaced just below the dam on the One Mile Track ($15,000) and a larger staircase will be replaced on the Ti ki track, formerly known as the Skyline track ($33,000)," Ms Relling said.

A helicopter would be required to lift the new timber access ways into position.

"We will need to close the One Mile track for one to three days and the Ti ki track for three to four days," she said.

The closures would be weather dependent and may extend into early next week.

An alternative route to access Ben Lomond would remain open via the Skyline Road, with access off Lomond Crescent.

"Both existing staircases have reached the point where they must be replaced to maintain public safety," Ms Relling said.

Temporary signage will be in place to advise walkers of the closure and the alternative Skyline Road route.

ENDS

For further information please contact Anne Relling 03 441 0499.

Note: the spelling of Ti ki is correct (two words).

By: Sarah