The Clutha District Council said the second phase of the $11million-plus Milton Main Street Upgrade project began this week, which would involve placing overhead powerlines in the town centre underground.
Phase 1, which involved $6m of upgrades to water infrastructure, began in July last year, and had been completed ahead of schedule, council chief executive Steve Hill said.
Although phase 2 would involve "unavoidable" disruption to traffic and footpath access, efforts would be made to keep that to a minimum and retain access to businesses and homes at all times, he said.
Framing Plus owner Chris McDonald, who has acted as a spokesman for local retailers, said people had been "grateful" for the low levels of disruption caused by work to date.
"[The contractors] have gone through town pretty quickly and efficiently. Because they’ve done the work in short stretches, there’s been a little disruption for a day or two, then they move along.
"I’ve been able to work around it and the feedback I’ve received from other retailers has been generally positive."
"[Andrew Haulage] have been excellent letting us know what’s going to happen and just being on site and approachable for any questions.
"We’re interested to see what level of disruption there’ll be as part of this second phase, but as long as we keep talking, we should be able to work around it."
Forum Cafe owner Kerry Wilson said her main street business had continued to thrive during the initial phase of works.
"We’ve been fine and it’s pleasing to see phase 1 is done ahead of schedule.
"Even during the works outside, customers have just parked a wee bit further along, or round the back where we have lots of parking, so it hasn’t really had any negative effect."
Mrs Wilson said she was also anxious to see what phase 2 would bring.
"It’s a bit of a concern that the footpaths will be dug up, but it needs to happen.
"Having the powerlines gone will be nice, and the upgrade is instrumental to seeing the town go forward."
She said concerns remained over streetscape designs for a final, third phase of upgrades and landscaping.
"We don’t want to see parks sacrificed for trees."
Mr McDonald said final designs should also include provision for an increase in cyclists visiting the town, following the recent completion of the Clutha Gold Trail extension.
