Dansey's Pass Motor Camp owner Neil Thorpe has criticised the time the route has been closed and its effect on his business, describing it as "a farce".
But Central Otago District Council roading manager Julie Muir said reopening the road had taken time because extensive geological investigations were needed of the slip area.
The slip occurred in early or mid-August at the bottom of the pass, blocking the road.
Yesterday, contractors Fulton Hogan moved machinery in to start clearing the slip, which was expected to take up to two weeks to open a single lane, depending on the stability of the area being worked on.
The slip occurred when the toe of a hill collapsed into a river, leaving an unstable slope.
The council investigated various options after a geological survey, including one that could have taken up to three months.
Because of the instability, care had to be taken not to make the situation worse.
The work being undertaken now could cost $30,000-$50,000, depending on what is found as it progresses.
Once a single lane was opened, the council would reassess its options for further work.
While parts of the road can be rough, it is a popular link between North and Central Otago, particularly during the holiday season.
