Despite the efforts of Queenstown council contractors applying grit and the de-icing agent CMA, Orbus Queenstown cancelled its route 1 services to the hillside suburbs early yesterday. The same route was also hit by cancellations on Sunday and Tuesday mornings.
The council’s road report yesterday also advised motorists to take particular care in Arrowtown, Dalefield, Arthurs Point, Queenstown Hill and on Malaghans Rd.
A council spokesman says contractors have been applying more grit and CMA this week in response to the conditions.
Those conditions have been "particularly challenging", partly because CMA’s effectiveness drops off at temperatures below -7degC.
Contractors manage the roads according to the previous afternoon’s weather forecast, and the conditions they encounter during pre-dawn patrols, he says.
"Contractors continue to monitor conditions through the day, taking action where necessary on the basis of priority."
They can also respond to reports from drivers and local businesses, including bus operators — he recommends residents use the council’s Snap Send Solve app to communicate any concerns.
"It allows our customer services team to request extra patrols from our roading contractors in that specific location if they aren’t already on their way."
