One business said the work in Kaikorai Valley Rd had cost them nearly all foot traffic, affected hundreds of customers and compared navigating the area to ‘‘a mouse in a maze trying to find a piece of cheese’’.
The council has apologised for the extra disruption and confirmed part of the road needed more work because the ground was ‘‘softer than expected’’.
The three-stage roadworks project, extending between Bryant St and Townleys Rd, started on January 12 — the council previously estimated each stage should take five to six weeks.
Brian Scott Motors owner Brian Scott said the dealership had been closed since Saturday afternoon and hoped to reopen on Thursday.
The roadworks had gone on for longer than what he was told and had ‘‘almost made it impossible for us to get into work’’.
‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen incompetency like it,’’ Mr Scott said.
‘‘It’s probably cost us more than 70% of our business over the last six weeks.’’
‘‘I honestly don’t think they give a s... .
‘‘I just think the whole thing’s been poorly managed and poorly organised.’’
Valley Motor Court director Andrew Caithness estimated the roadworks had cost his business ‘‘98% of our walk-in traffic’’.
‘‘I’ve had to be shut for three days last week — we had no driveway.
‘‘Those are three days that have cost me staff wages, which I will never, ever be able to recoup.’’
Mr Caithness said he understood the roadworks were necessary.
But as soon as access to a site was inhibited, there needed to be a discussion around compensation.
He had expected some form of goodwill from the council.
‘‘It’s not just one business that’s affected, it’s hundreds of our customers collectively who, if they need us, actually can’t get to us.’’
It was hard enough to commute around Dunedin, and navigating out of the wider area was like ‘‘a mouse in a maze trying to find a piece of cheese’’, Mr Caithness said.
Bespoke Cabinets owner Spencer Bremner said customers were struggling to get in and out of their buildings.
Workers were also struggling to find carparks.
‘‘Getting trucks in and out of the street at the moment is just a nightmare.’’
It was starting to get frustrating.
He described the situation as ‘‘absolute incompetence’’.
‘‘It’s just a joke.
‘‘There’s just no reason why it couldn’t have been done after hours or in the weekends.’’
Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson acknowledged the work in Kaikorai Valley Rd was causing disruption.
‘‘We’re doing everything we can to minimise this while delivering this important project.’’
Signs were added to indicate nearby businesses remained open.
The council would also look at further improving access where possible to alleviate concerns in the area.
‘‘We apologise for the extra disruption but we’re working as quickly as we can to remedy this, and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding.’’
