Twenty properties have been red-stickered in Wanganui after the flooding.
Entry is prohibited because of hazards or serious damage. Another 140 have been yellow-stickered with restricted access.
The houses are mostly within cordoned-off areas of Wanganui.
Council chief executive Kevin Ross said yesterday the Taupo Quay cordon might be lifted today. Property owners and occupiers within the cordon will be contacted after 8am to advise when the cordon will be lifted.
The roadway on Anzac Pde from Jones St to Eastown Rd was expected to be cleared yesterday.
The cordon is likely to be lifted on that section today. Residents in that part of Anzac Pde will be contacted after 8am to advise when the cordon will be lifted.
They will be able to access their properties from the Anzac Pde/Jones St cordon before the cordon is lifted and the general public can access the area.
Anzac Parade from Jones Street to Ikitara Rd will remain cordoned off until at least the weekend or later.
The Civil Defence Centre at St Paul's will close today and the centre at Wanganui Girls' College will remain open with hours to be confirmed.
Council infrastructure manager Mark Hughes said drinking water was safe.
"The reservoirs are full and people can use water blasters to clean up their properties if they wish."
There are 200 rural households still isolated after last weekend's flood, and they are being assisted by helicopter services. Red Cross and Rural Fire people are visiting residents with limited road access to check on their welfare.
People requiring evacuation, such as expectant mothers or people with long-term health problems, will be evacuated on a case-by-case basis.
Most major roads are open and rural roads, apart from Whanganui River Rd, have single lane access for residents and emergency vehicles.