An "Otta" sealing programme will begin on some unsealed roads in Queenstown this week, costing the Queenstown Lakes District Council $210,000 per year, but expected to prove cost-effective in future.
QLDC acting transport manager Geoff Cobb told the council's utilities committee a strategy for unsealed roads was commissioned from GHD consultants, in response to a perceived deterioration in pavement strength, the condition of unsealed roads, and to determine the "optimum use" of additional funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Mr Cobb said the programme of Otta sealing would replace the application of waste oil as a dust suppressant.
"Otta seal is a semi-permanent bituminous surfacing, overlaid with graded aggregate. While it has a higher initial cost, by avoiding the need for repeated applications, it will prove more cost-effective in the long term."
It was expected the Otta sealing would have a lifespan of nine to 11 years.
At least 30km would be sealed under the initial programme, and the first work was likely to begin on a section of Morven Ferry Rd.
