Motorists were being urged to drive with caution on the Crown Range Road and on a section of Malaghan's Road after heavy rain caused surface damage, Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager utilities Mark Kunath said.

"We had managed to patch up the roads after the severe freeze and thaw cycle of two weeks ago but the rain has blown out those repairs and in some sections caused severe surface damage," Mr Kunath said.

The Malaghan's Road section, through the trees beneath Coronet Peak was an area scheduled for major rehabilitation and realignment work in the spring with $2.3 million budgeted, while the Crown Range was likewise earmarked for $2.3 million in rehabilitation over the next three years and beginning this spring.

"Meanwhile our roading contractor has got crews out working to restore these roads to a more acceptable standard until such time as the major rehabilitation work can get underway. It's important that people slow down and navigate these damaged sections of road with care and patience," Mr Kunath said.

It was expected to take at least two days to effect repairs, depending on weather.

"The good news is that despite the freeze thaw and the heavy rain, sections of road where we have utilised new technology, such as the Coronet Peak Road and Gorge Road, which would normally be problematic, have held up extremely well," Mr Kunath said.

A slip on the Glenorchy Road had been cleared immediately on Friday but care was also required on that road due to the possibility of continuing rock falls.

"Our contractor has got a crew up there tidying up today but again if you are travelling to or from Glenorchy exercise care on the road," Mr Kunath said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Mark Kunath 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah