Slips, dangerous trees, safety signs, flooding, and ice and snow control collectively cost $1.1 million more than was budgeted for in the 2009-10 year.
However, it was offset by an overall underspend on roads, Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander said.
The end of year report for transport activity, including roading, would be presented at tomorrow's QLDC utilities committee meeting.
Mr Mander said 2009-10 had "its fair share of events" in terms of unexpected maintenance.
That included the removal of high-risk trees on Lower Shotover Rd ($143,637); repairs to the underside of the Edith Cavell bridge ($59,558); and emergency work due to slips ($394,719).
The work was unavoidable and came with a price tag, he said.
"These are all circumstances that are beyond our control ... the mitigating factor here is that the roading budget for the same period was well under budget."
The roading budget had been "heavily downgraded" due to the reduction in New Zealand Transport Agency funding released in the national programme for 2009-12.
"The other really important factor has been that we have seen an improvement in the construction market.
"The result has been that projects have been achieved at lower than expected costs.
"In other words, the contract allows the council to benefit from an improved market," Mr Mander said.
The overall budget bottom line was positive.
"Overall, we have incurred significantly less cost than budgeted."
