The wall above an old tennis court at the intersection of Maori Rd and Serpentine Ave, Mornington, was subsiding, Dunedin City Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said.
Maori Rd would be closed to through traffic from Monday next week until mid-April to allow the work to be carried out.
The $300,000 project would ensure the safety of the road and footpath above the wall, Ms Benson said.
Pedestrians would still be able to use Maori Rd during the work, as they would be diverted to a temporary footpath.
Ms Benson said the bluestone wall was constructed about 1890.
"Maori Rd itself was constructed around 1871 by members of Pakakohe and Tangahoe hapu, who were sent to Dunedin as prisoners to perform hard labour during the Taranaki land confiscations," Ms Benson said.
The wall was likely installed to help create level ground for development of the Kaituna Lawn Bowling and Tennis Club, she said.
"We will incorporate some of the bluestone in the new retaining wall."
The road closure was needed so contractors could excavate the road to gain safe access to complete work on the wall, she said.
Access to Maori Rd properties and Jubilee Park would continue from the Arthur St end.
Plans were also being developed to commemorate the members of the Pakakohe and Tangahoe hapu.
