The Queenstown Lakes District Council has been successful in attracting funding from Land Transport NZ ( formerlyTransfund) to undertake the resealing of sections of the Crown Range Road. Work on the 16km section, from the Eastborne Gates to Cardrona is now underway, QLDC Wanaka operations manager Chris Hawker said.

Land Transport NZ will contribute $560,000 (90 percent) for the project with the remainder being rate funded.

"This is a great result,"Mr Hawker said.

In addition, 2-3 troublesome areas would receive a structural repair (rebuilding the section of road) this year and once again Land Transport NZ had agreed to contribute to those projects.

"Another 8 or 9 areas will be rebuilt over the next two years but these areas will still receive a holding seal at this time in order to protect and carry them over until the structural work is done," Mr Hawker said.

It was important that people realised that in the spots that needed additional work the holding seal would not be permanent.

"You can expect to see further work carried out prior to next winter," Mr Hawker said.

Every attempt would be made to keep disruption to a minimum while the resealing work was being carried out and motorists were asked to respect the safety of road workers by complying with speed restrictions.

In addition, the Council voted on Thursday (March 31) to consult during April over a proposal to restrict heavy vehicles from travelling on the Crown Range Road.

The proposed restriction would prohibit vehicles exceeding 14,200 kilograms or 12.6 metres in length.

"Basically this proposal is aimed at keeping truck and trailer units off the road for both safety and wear and tear reasons," Mr Hawker said.

A report on the outcomes of consultation would go back to the Council in June.

ENDS

For further information please contact Chris Hawker 0274 364 455

By: Tamah