Work is continuing on the proposed "gateway" roundabout at the entrance to Wanaka's Ardmore St retail area, with construction possible this summer.
Approval for the roundabout at the Brownston-Ardmore Sts intersection is still needed from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which is also yet to confirm whether it will supply the anticipated 53% share of the $635,000 construction costs.
"It's got a good benefit-cost ratio and it's also consistent with the Wanaka Transportation and Parking Strategy and the Wanaka Town Centre Strategy so we feel we've got a good case for getting funding," Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander said.
The council wanted construction of the roundabout completed by last Christmas, but controversy has dogged the project since approval by the Wanaka Community Board last August. Progress has been hampered by ongoing disagreements from several neighbouring landowners, who have argued that access to their properties would be affected.
Mr Mander recently provided NZTA with additional information on how access arrangements with neighbouring properties would continue under a roundabout option and "how that would be managed safely".
Council was still waiting for final approval from two landowners next to the intersection, "but we believe that we've got a satisfactory proposal", Mr Mander said.
"It's quite a big issue in terms of the impact it would have on that town centre so it needs to go through these processes."
He hoped NZTA approval and funding would be in place in time for the roundabout to be built this summer.
NZTA Central Otago road area manager John Jarvis said the organisation was still considering the preliminary designs and there were a "number of design issues" which needed to be clarified with the council.
