A Southern Lakes Trail spokesperson said recent incidents of people taking motorised vehicles on to finished sections of the track had caused avoidable damage to the surface.
Materials used in the construction of the trail required time to settle and bed in and premature use could undo the compacting work, contaminate the base and push timelines and costs in the wrong direction.
The trails were designed for foot and bike traffic, not motorised vehicles or horses.
Clear signage was in place which asked all users to avoid fenced or taped areas, obey "track closed" notices and use alternative open trails in Central Otago until the work is fully complete.
Co-operation would ensure a safer, smoother riding and walking experience for everyone when the ribbon is cut, the spokesperson said.
The trail remains on budget for an on time and on budget opening, with crews working through snow and shine to meet key milestones before the opening next year. — Allied Media
