As work nears completion on Te Manawa, Rotorua Lakes Council have opened one side up to pedestrians.
Construction fences were pushed back on Saturday allowing foot traffic passage through the designated shared space to be crossed in a north/south direction along Tutanekai St.
Rotorua Lakes Council Infrastructure general manager Stavros Michael said dry weather had meant contractors had been able to speed ahead with work.
"As the Western portion of the paving is finished, the fences have been shifted back, allowing pedestrian access," Mr Michael said. "There are about five days of work to be done."
He said completion of the project was expected to be before the end of October and would be marked in some way, but details were still being finalised.
At the same time the fences were moved, two videos explaining how pedestrians and cyclists should traverse the area were released on the council's Facebook page.
The video says pedestrians at Te Manawa have the right of way but should be mindful of traffic.
"Shared spaces are for everyone but please be considerate of all other users," the video says.
Cyclists are encouraged to move at walking pace, give way to pedestrians and "follow the green corridor signage to stay on track".
The videos have caused some concern on Facebook. One person posted "If cars can use it, it's a road .... so pedestrians give way, this is going to get messy".
Another asked who gives way to who. "The cycling video mentioned giving way to pedestrians (which is good), but it's not clear who has to give way when a car and bike meet."
Local shop owners are excited the end of construction is near.
Sue from Drapes by Design said Te Manawa looked lovely.
"We won't get the full benefit of it until it is open to traffic but I think it is looking great," she said.
And while there had been a degree of inconvenience to retailers, Sue said contractors had been feeling it.
"When a truck is trying to deliver supplies it's been a bit tough. There's been a few toots of frustration when they're trying to turn around."
On the other side of the street, a staff member from Dunkin Donuts said continued work
meant pedestrians were still unable to walk past the shop.
"We're really looking forward to it all being finished and everything opened up," she said.