Cost efficiency was one of the factors in the Queenstown Lakes District Council decision to revisit the timeframe for sealing Wanaka's Aubrey Road, QLDC general manager utilities Mark Kunath said.

'Initially, on the basis that a pipeline was schedule to intersect with the road, it was decided to hold off on the sealing project but some factors have now come to light, which suggest it would be more efficient to get the sealing underway, as originally forecast,' Mr Kunath said.

Safety was also a consideration.

'Since the decision to stall the project the Council has been advised of an accident on the road. It's something that we have weighed in the mix,' Mr Kunath said.

The timeline for the pipeline had also been clarified in the last few weeks.

'We now know we will be waiting about two years until the pipeline goes ahead and clearly it is not prudent or acceptable to leave the road in the condition it is in for another two years,' Mr Kunath said.

Sealing was planned to start on November 7, with completion prior to Christmas. Remedial work to the roundabout will be carried after the Christmas period.

'Obviously there will be some disruption to residents, both while the sealing is undertaken and again when the pipeline must be put in place but we are confident that the work will bring important benefits,' Mr Kunath said.

The work would be carried out by Fulton Hogan.

ENDS

For further information please contact Mark Kunath 03 441 0499

By: Tamah