WORK will stop at Cunningham's Gap during the holiday period and the current 24-hour stop/go conditions will be removed by Christmas.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said contractors would remain on site to monitor the road.

He said there would be short-term lane closures while the remaining work was under way.

"The majority of major works is scheduled to be complete at 10 sites by Christmas 2011, weather permitting," he said.

"Completing the 10 sites will ensure access for two lanes of traffic through the Gap over the Christmas and New Year period."

He said there was still work to be done at the Clayton's Gully site, about halfway through the Gap, which was the most badly damaged.

"At this site a new stretch of road 600m long and four lanes wide will be built along a new alignment," he said.

Work is due to start in early 2012.

"The final asphalting is planned to start in mid-January 2012, weather permitting," the spokesman said.

"The asphalting will be carried out as day works under intermittent stop/go traffic control and is planned to be complete by February 2012."

The spokesman said the department was now rock bolting, shotcreting and installing safety mesh to stabilise the slope near the top of the Gap.

"While all efforts are made to minimise disruptions, motorists may experience delays," he said.

"The department appreciates your patience while these essential works are carried out."

Restrictions were still in place on vehicles over 3.5m wide and/or over 26m long between the helipad and the Gap. These vehicles have been encouraged to take alternate routes.

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