Businesses hurt by roadworks
A Christchurch restaurateur who bought a venue just weeks before the coronavirus lockdown is now struggling through ‘‘terrible’’ and disheartening roadworks outside her front door.
She is among many central Christchurch business owners reeling from the coronavirus closures, but is trying to stay positive as workers tear up the entire length of Victoria St.
Both sides of Victoria St have been dug up as contractor Fulton Hogan completes a $7.5 million project to replace storm water drains and water mains, widen footpaths, add marked cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing points, and repair the badly damaged street.
The Christchurch City Council project began after level 4 lockdown lifted at the end of April. The main work is expected to be finished in September.
The street is currently restricted to one lane of traffic in one direction, with only a handful of on-street car parks still available in one spot – though signs have been put up to direct motorists to parks nearby.
You Hanoi Me owner Berni Fahey took over the Vietnamese restaurant on March 3, just weeks before the coronavirus restrictions forced venues across the country to close.
Fahey said it had been a ‘‘wild ride’’ since she took over.
The roadworks were ‘‘terrible’’ and disheartening, and it was difficult for people driving past to tell if the restaurant was open.
Council transport planning and delivery manager Lynette Ellis said doing the work in stages was considered, but business owners made it clear they wanted the work done quickly, and all at once.
The project will introduce 37 new trees, remove 32 car parks, and improve the connection between Victoria St, the Town Hall, Victoria Square and the central city.