The next stage of Queenstown's Gorge Rd upgrade will begin today, a month later than expected.
Queenstown Lakes District Council Utilities Committee chairman John Mann said inclement weather had been a factor in the delay.
The next stage will continue the works which began before winter, extending the upgrade for another 1.2km and complete another section of walk and cycleway on what will eventually become a main arterial recreation route from Queenstown to Arrowtown.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane until completion, which is scheduled before Christmas.
"Obviously, we will not continue to work through the peak period and work won't commence again on the completion of topsoil, grassing and fencing until after New Year," Mr Mann said.
He recommended where possible people considered using an alternative route if that was practical.
"Clearly, there will be stop and go on this section of road."
The final two stages of work, scheduled over the next two years, were still in the design stage, but would extend through to the Edith Cavell bridge.
