Old Taupo Rd alterations near completion

By REBECCA DEVINE in Rotorua<
Diggers and trucks have become a common sight on Rotorua's Old Taupo Rd.

But now the trees are going in, the lights are being put up and within the next couple of weeks roadworkers are expected to be leaving the job they have been working on for the past ten months.

The widening of a section of Old Taupo Rd between the Rotorua Boys' High School lights and Malfroy Rd to four lanes is almost complete.

But the end of the work hasn't come soon enough for some shops along the route - one of which has closed because of the roadworks and another which is thinking about it.

In July The Daily Post revealed at least two businesses along the stretch where the roadworks were in progress were demanding compensation from the Rotorua District Council because of the loss of business the works were causing.

However, the council has said it would not be paying out any form of compensation to the businesses.

Worst affected were the group of shops on the corner of Old Taupo Rd and Pererika St.

Natures Blend bakery owner Tania Leach said the company was still struggling to pay its way after losing business during the roadworks and were likely to close up shop when its lease expires next year.

"We still can't pay our landlords."

She said the business had asked for a rates exemption and for a 60 percent subsidy of their rent, to be paid by the council and possibly Transit New Zealand, until the roadworks are completed.

However, they were banging their heads against a brick wall with the council, she said.

Another business, Cutting Corner Hairdressers, in the same block of shops, had shut because of the loss of business during the roadworks.

Rotorua District Council state highways administrator Kevin Thompson said once new traffic lights were up, all that would be left to do was put a final seal over the road and mark it.

Mr Thompson said the council was happy with the way work was progressing and was pleased the job would be finished ahead of schedule.

"Our aim was to be out and gone by Christmas."

The spring weather had caused a few problems with potholes, but generally residents seemed happy with the progress, he said.