A $100,000 investigation into the stability of sheer rock faces along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd could be conducted this winter, if the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) approves an application for funding from the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).
QLDC network operations engineer Ian Marshall said yesterday geotechnical consultants would most likely use close-up and aerial photography as part of their risk assessment of vertical rock faces and overhangs, the areas deemed most likely to be at risk from debris slipping to the road.
Further inspection by abseiling may be required, which could mean the short-term closure of the road at a later stage, Mr Marshall said.
Engineering solutions would depend on the findings.
The council's review for the month would be submitted to NZTA on July 15 and the agency should respond by the end of the month, he said.
"The timetable would depend on geotechnical experts and how we procure their services. A tender document takes a while.
The attempt to test all rock face and overhang sections of the Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd for stability follows the 1500 to 2000 tonne rockslide which fell on the Narrows and cut off Glenorchy for two and a-half days in May.
