Some Tauranga business owners are growing frustrated with the amount of roadworks taking place in the city.
The city's streets are currently covered in orange cones, with delayed and new transport projects taking place at the same time. The three main state highways are affected.
A recent survey revealed 77% of residents thought congestion was a "big problem" — compared with 40% of Aucklanders.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said: "People's patience is wearing thin."
"The challenge is that the city is growing. It's doubled in the last 30 years, and it's gonna double again in the next 50," he said.
"People do want transport projects, but the uncertainty around the delivery timeframes has just been extended."
He said businesses are unable to plan for roadworks as the timeframes for completion vary from project to project.
"Your strategy for getting through that period is completely different when you're dealing with nine, 12 months of roadworks out in front."
Cowley said that while he can't speak for individual businesses, he's hearing some profits are down between 60% and 80%, compared to the disruption before the roadworks.
While some businesses are able to rely on alternative revenue streams, opening pop-up stores and even helping patrons get to them without a car park — walk-in customers are still vital for many.
"If your business relies on those drop-in and walk-in customers, that disruption is significant," Cowley said.
He said the council expects the roadworks to be completed by Christmas.
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