The project manager working for the Queenstown Lakes District Council on Arrowtown's Adamson Dr admits construction could have been done differently.
Arrowtown residents have expressed concern over the upgrade of one of the town's busiest streets, saying swales have become deeper and the surface like a farm road.
Members of the Arrowtown Village Association were upset over the lack of information before construction on the road began late last year. They have been further outraged over the finished product.
Committee member Valerie Couper, who lives on Adamson Dr, said the road width, surface and appearance now encouraged speeding and was a danger to pedestrians and cyclists.
Association members Ange van der Laan and Graeme Haste agreed the new-look road was "unsightly" and looked more like "a busy rural road", Mr Haste said.
The height of the road had been changed, making getting in and out of driveways difficult Mrs Couper said.
Project manager Steve Hewland said the council had chosen the "overlay" option on the road rather than the "dig out and replace" because of cost.
"In hindsight, it hasn't been the best way ... It's fair to say it has been a learning curve for all involved and it certainly hasn't been a great solution."
Mr Hewland said he and contractors were not happy with the outcome and it would not be the final product.
More construction would begin closer to April after surveyors had taken a look at the road.
Fixing up the sides of the road would be a priority and would return the "gentle swales" that were there previously.
