Work to resurface and place new water infrastructure alongside the urban stretch of State Highway 1, known as Union St, began in January and was supposed to last three months.
Rumours persist of a major problem with the works.
The Clutha District Council acknowledged the work had taken longer than expected because of soft ground conditions and said a detour was likely to remain in place until next month.
St John’s Court Motel owners Eion and Bev Philip said big potholes were appearing and parks were being lost from the alterations that were dragging on.
Mr Philip said it would be far better if it was fixed and life would go back to normal.
‘‘We’re probably lucky enough that we’re back in after the diversion.’’
‘‘Potholes are turning up on Springfield Rd where the trucks are swinging out and making big potholes on the road,’’ Mrs Philip said.
Mr Philip said the annoying thing was the road was ripped up two years ago and it was being done again now.
‘‘When they first did it, they really needed to be looking at pipes and things like that.
‘‘This one here turned into an absolute mess because we were replacing the water pipes going through down the footpath, and then they replaced the road, and we’ve now got a patchwork footpath.’’
He felt sorry for people on scooters who had to struggle on the bumpy footpath.
Mrs Philip said back streets in the town were also getting ripped up.
Four Square Tokomairiro Milton owner Phil Bell said the works had restricted access for traffic heading north, but the store remained open and accessible.
The situation was not ideal, but they were focused on doing what they could, he said.
Resident David Robinson, who lives in Union St, said businesses were struggling. The roadworks were disgusting given the time they were taking and the impact on residents.
He said there was a new and growing pothole at the junction by his home and people were concerned that repairs would soon be needed all along the detour.
It was common knowledge that Milton was built on wetlands and soft ‘‘blue pug’’ clay gave way underground.
Residents said the district council’s website offered occasional updates but few details and people were in the dark about how much longer the job would take.
Council infrastructure and delivery group manager Donna McArthur said the project had not stopped and work to replace wastewater and stormwater pipes was still a priority.
Contractors had paused while extra testing and design work were completed.
‘‘We know the work has taken longer than expected and we understand the disruption has been frustrating for nearby residents, businesses and people travelling through Milton,’’ she said.
A one-way traffic light system was operating in Union St between 7.30pm and about 8am most nights, to help relieve traffic pressure.
The finished project would improve stormwater and wastewater infrastructure for the community in the long term, she said.
In a social media post, the council said the work was entering its final stages.
Pipeline work was about 80% complete.
The focus was on the remaining 20%, repairs to the southbound lane pavement and then the northbound shoulder.
‘‘We acknowledge this project has taken longer than anticipated because of soft ground conditions encountered as the work progressed.
‘‘Work was recently paused while we consulted with our stakeholders to confirm design and repair plans.’’
The detour could not be lifted until this section of work was completed and it was likely to remain in place until August.
‘‘We appreciate the detour is frustrating and as soon as it can be lifted, we will let businesses, residents and travellers know.’’
Contractors would return to site on Monday, the council said. — Additional reporting Nick Brook
