When NZTA began a six-week resealing project of State Highway 1 through Milton’s central business district on January 7, business owners criticised its timing at the peak of summer holiday season.
The project entailed the alternate closure of south and northbound lanes, and led to detours through the town’s residential areas.
This meant through-traffic had limited access to some businesses for up to three weeks.
On the Spot Midway Dairy owner Joyce Sun said the project had been "better than expected", but still led to an 80% drop in business during its first three weeks.
"There were times when nobody could stop outside, and that meant we lost the majority of people driving through. The contractors were good at communicating with us every day to explain what was going on though, and I understand why they had to do the resealing. It looks excellent now, and things are returning to normal, which is a huge relief."
St John’s Court Motel directors Eion and Bev Philip said the works had had a similar impact on revenues for their business.
"It’s cost us thousands of dollars, down by 70%-80% occupancy during what’s traditionally one of our busiest times of year," Mr Philip said.
"NZTA did no consultation before doing this at peak season; their contractors got better as they went along, communicated well and put some of their workers up at the motel, which was great; and now we’re just waiting for [Clutha District] council to get their act together and reinstate the footpath."
He said now the seal was complete, it had improved noise levels for the motel, but the "mess" of the footpath was still marring the kerb appeal of the business.
"It’s great now [the seal is] done, but you can see what a mess the council has made of the footpath right the way along the main street."
Clutha District Council deputy chief executive Jules Witt said footpath work would run from February 28 until mid-March.
