Glenorchy road closure Update

Work on clearing the Glenorchy Road commenced at around 1.30pm after geotechnical experts assessed the site.

“We went in there by helicopter and the assessment is that it is a ‘gradual, progressive’ failure but it was safe to start work,” Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager works infrastructure Mark Kunath said.

Work would progress into the night but the road would remain closed overnight.

“We hope to re-open the road to one lane traffic in the morning,” Mr Kunath said.

Meanwhile the Council had arranged free transport via Lake Wakatipu to deliver Glenorchy high school children and commuters home for the evening from Queenstown.

“Anyone that needs to make arrangement to get home can contact the Council now and we will ensure we get you home safely this afternoon,” Mr Kunath said. Return transport would be available in the morning to return people to their vehicles.

The council anticipated this affected some 20 or 30 individuals. An update as to the status of the road would be available on the Council website or via the main office number on Saturday morning after 9am.