Dunedin city councillors voted in favour of the move at yesterday's community development committee meeting, following prolonged debate over the road's future.
The decision was subject to final approval at the next full council meeting on August 17, but, if granted, meant the road would reopen "weeks rather than months" later, committee chairman Cr Paul Hudson said.
A gate part-way along John Wilson Ocean Dr would remain in place, and would stay locked until a new wire-mesh security fence was installed, and landscaping completed, at Lawyers Head.
Once the fence was completed, the gate across John Wilson Ocean Dr would remain, but be unlocked each day - from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset - to allow vehicles through, councillors decided.
The new fence, which would be about 2.5m high and bent back towards the road at the top, would run along the edge of Lawyers Head.
Cr Hudson said the fence's location had been chosen after talks with Dunedin police search and rescue staff.
The entire project was expected to cost up to $120,000, with funding to be taken from the council's 2009-10 capital works budget for redevelopment work at Logan Park.
The decision came more than two years after the road was closed in late 2006 to allow construction of Dunedin's $37 million sewage outfall pipe.
The decision to keep the road closed since the pipe's commissioning in January had attracted increasing criticism.
Yesterday, up to 30 people gathered at the gate, led by organiser Sharlie Earl, of Dunedin, to protest against the road's continued closure. The group gathered about 120 signatures for a petition to be presented to the council.
Those arguing for the road to remain closed pointed to council reports which noted an increase in wildlife activity and a drastic decrease in suicides in the area since the road was closed.
Cr Hudson said yesterday police and other agencies involved in the debate were aware of the council's intentions "and are happy with it".
"The important message is we are doing what we can to protect our citizens who need our help - the vulnerable ones," he said.
The impact of reopening the road during daylight hours would be monitored, and "tweaks" made if necessary, he said.
Cr Neil Collins also praised the council's decision, "although I wish this could have been done years ago".
"But I think what we have got here is a good outcome for the community."
