The majority expressed frustration with the consultation process, despite explanations the Clutha District Council had to follow consultative processes in line with the Local Government Act.
One resident said she agreed with the recommendation in the report written by consultant company Morrison Low, which said retaining the status quo was considered to have the least impact as traffic was spread through the town and largely ensured that heavy vehicles were removed from the main street.
White Willow owner Jo Creighton opened her fashion store in Clyde St six months ago.
"Out of my 367 clients, 120 are from inside the Clutha district.
"If you take SH1 away from Clyde St, there goes my business."
Another business owner said the issue was a big one for the town and was disappointed only 50% of the district's councillors turned up for the meeting.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan was present, and was asked by one resident whether councillors would be declaring any interests before voting on the issue.
Mr Cadogan said he himself had been removed from the decision-making process due to an "entrenched position".
"It's been doing my head in that I can't take part in the process. After going through the process three times already, it's hard not to form an opinion."
Council chief executive said one other councillor had expressed an interest and would also withdraw from the process.
Mr Cadogan said he had visited Temuka during the weekend to see what happened to the town since SH1 was diverted from the township's main street along a bypass route.
A resident said she had been "shocked to pieces" when she visited the town recently.
"It's just dead. I never stop there on my way to Christchurch."
Council staff, councillors, and Dan Bonifant, the consultant who wrote the report on Balclutha's traffic-flow options, held an "expo" yesterday afternoon to discuss the options and issues with the public, before the meeting last night.
Council district assets manager Jules Witt said a major upgrade of the town's main street was planned for later this year, with $2.6 million budgeted for the project.
Mr Witt said a district assets standing committee would hear verbal submissions on the traffic strategy on May 3, before councillors vote on a preferred option later that day.
Councillors who did not attend the submission hearing could not vote on the issue, he said.
More detailed information and submission forms are available on the council website www.cluthadc.govt.nz, with submissions closing on April 16.
