Workers busy with upgrade

THE upgrade of Ballantyne Rd in Wanaka has entered its next phase, as earthworks are under way to widen the south side of the road and work to temporarily relocate telecommunications services is beginning.

Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman Jack Barlow said the council had been working with Chorus, Spark and Vodafone on plans to relocate and install new services ducting along the length of the upgraded road.

‘‘This will facilitate future upgrades to the network and avoid works to the upgraded road at a later date,’’ Mr Barlow said.

Ballantyne Rd was closed to through traffic, but access to properties remained open for residents and essential services.

The $6.4 million upgrade, jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency, was programmed to take six months to complete, he said.