Since the road was closed when work started on January 12, the loss of this popular through road has caused traffic to bank up on nearby Gorge Rd.
As recently as March 27, Queenstown’s council had advised the southbound lane — from Gorge Rd to Camp St — would reopen "by mid-to-late April", following earlier advice the project would be completed by June.
Council now says "crews have encountered machinery issues and work is running behind schedule".
"This is a complex construction environment that requires the formation of deep access and launch pits within the road corridor to enable underground tunnelling activities."
The southbound lane will now reopen from August, and "we expect to fully reopen both lanes in September".
Council states: "We know everyone is keen to see this road reopened, and we appreciate the patience shown by the community."
Ironically, the southbound lane will reopen for a short period next week to support the contractor’s staging of works, but, as it’s only short-term, only local residents and businesses are being advised.
