In the meantime, the Waitaki District Council has asked motorists to be patient and take care when using rural roads, particularly unsealed ones.
Two floods in April and May, followed by regular rain since then, has stopped roads from drying out.
So far this year, Oamaru Airport has recorded 296mm of rain, when the average for that period is 209mm and Waikoura, further inland, 392mm, compared with the average of 227mm.
Roading manager Michael Voss said many unsealed roads were becoming slippery and potholed because contractors had been seriously limited in being able carry out scheduled maintenance work''Not only are roads affected, but side drains, paddocks and accesses are now waterlogged, affecting the whole rural infrastructure.''
Once roads dried out a little, contractors were ready to restart maintenance work.
The council had adopted an extensive roading project, known as Rural Resilience Waitaki, to provide long-term improvements, including to the network's drainage system.
''The irony is, improvement work cannot continue while the roads are this wet,'' he said.
The council was aware mud was being dragged on to the road surface from farming activities.
This was unavoidable, but farmers were asked to do some cleaning or contact the council so a contractor could clear the road to keep it safe for other users.
People were also requested not to use roads as stock races, if at all possible, as this could cause significant damage to the road surface and side drainage, creating a traffic hazard as well as a costly repair.
''We are all experiencing real problems with this weather pattern but we will address safety issues and restore the maintenance work schedule as soon as we practically can,'' he said.
More information about roading conditions and forthcoming grading work were on the council's website, but it was indicative only, because weather and newer priorities might change that programme.
''Anyone who is planning to intensively use local roads should contact us so that we can plan ahead before a change in use is made.
"Preventive maintenance work helps stop the road from damage needing an expensive repair. Working together will make our money go further,'' Mr Voss said.
