Hazards for cyclists competing in Challenge Wanaka have prompted a single-lane closure of Mount Aspiring Rd for next year's event.
The lane closure, from Meadowstone Dr to Hospital Flat for about five hours on the morning of January 21, was approved by the Queenstown Lakes District Council's property subcommittee on Thursday, following a recommendation by the Wanaka Community Board earlier this week.
Lakes Environmental technical support officer Vanessa Rees-Francis said there would be a 30kmh speed limit on the road during the lane closure and marshalls would "discourage traffic".
At the community board meeting this week, Mark Ayre, of Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters, objected to the proposed closure of Ardmore St from Dungarvon to McDougall Sts for four days during the Challenge Wanaka festival of events because it "effectively cut off all access to the foreshore".
He requested the closure in front of Pembroke Park be limited to between the two lakefront accesses.
However, organisers maintained the full closure of Ardmore St along the front of Pembroke Park was necessary to enable event preparation and for contractors' safety.
The board approved the Ardmore St road closure, but chairman Lyal Cocks said he would encourage a compromise from Challenge Wanaka organisers to open the stretch of Ardmore St between McDougall St and the first waterfront car park for the parking of vehicles in the waterfront car parks, at least on the Thursday before the event.
• The board also approved an application from the Upper Clutha A and P Show to close McDougall St between Brownston and Ardmore Sts a day earlier during next year's event in March, to allow organisers and exhibitors more time to set up.
