Whanganui's State Highway 4 repairs a challenge for Anzac Parade businesses

Since the beginning of July a crane has been moving along the riverbank as steel pipes and prefabricated concrete panels are installed. Photo / Bevan Conley

Several Whanganui businesses are feeling the effects of the narrowed roadway on State Highway 4 along Anzac Pde.

Late last year the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) began repairs on a section of road near the Whanganui City Bridge where the riverbank had dropped away as a result of the 2015 flood.

The road has been significantly narrowed while the work is done, with cars driving in a lane once used for parking.

Red Lion Inn manager Tessa Hunt said the traffic was affecting the business, especially at lunchtime.

"It's always busy out the front with the stop and go," Hunt said.

"There haven't been any accidents and it's a bit better now they have put in judder bars."

During summer, dust from the work had been a problem but that had now reduced.

"We have lost our view - at the moment you can't see the river when you're sitting out the front, you have a view of the crane instead," Hunt said.

Riverside Mowers and Machinery owner Steve Shotter said despite the traffic issues, his business was steady "which is all right at this time of year".

"The noise is definitely a bit of a pain and there are a few access issues first thing in the morning, at school times and after work," Shotter said.

"I've had a couple of people drive off at a busy time and come back later. Whether there are others who have driven off but not come back, I don't know."

Traffic speed had been a problem with motorists not obeying the 30km/h speed restriction.

"The speed bumps have improved it slightly but the big trucks rattle and bang. It's pretty close to us."

Shotter said he expected the noise and disruption would increase when the crane, which is currently on the riverbank opposite the Red Lion, moved in front of his business.

NZTA's regional transport systems manager, Ross I'Anson, said overall the project, due to be completed next June, was still on track despite some minor delays due to the weather.

"We have started driving steel H piles and sheet piles into the existing ground at the base of the new retaining wall," I'Anson said.

"These will be connected to the new concrete panel wall via a concrete ground beam and will form the foundations of the new structure.

"This pile-driving work will be intermittent, which allows for the construction of the new wall in between piling operations. Contractors will endeavour to carry out pile-driving works at suitable times so as to minimise public disturbance. The last stage of pile driving is expected to be completed by mid-March 2019."