Queenstown's long-awaited Eastern Access Rd has hit a major milestone.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday called for expressions of interest in constructing the road.
To be named Hawthorne Dr, the road will alleviate traffic congestion at the Frankton BP roundabout by connecting Remarkables Park to the Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway at Glenda Dr.
Council infrastructure manager Peter Hansby said prospective suppliers had been asked to register their interest in the project ahead of a full request for tender.
The process gave potential contractors an opportunity to get an idea of the project’s scale and scope before officially tendering for the contract.
It could also enable a shortened tender period, because much of the preparation work could be done in advance, Mr Hansby said.
Council chief executive Mike Theelen told the Otago Daily Times last month he was confident the access road would open by December 2017.
