Business owners and staff have complained about the amount of time work on the road ended up taking over what was first proposed.

Shoalhaven City Council Assets and Works director Ben Stewart said the setbacks were due to rain and a deeper clay base than was anticipated.

“Council tried to get the work done outside the peak tourism times,” he said.

“We engaged with business owners to ensure the road was open for weekends and events.

“We took the business owners concerns very seriously and were happy to meet with them.

“They requested we continue to provide access to the road so people could see their shops were open.

“To do this we staged the job in two parts, which also meant it took a little longer.”

Mr Stewart said the road previously wasn’t level and had uneven surfaces and trip hazards.

He said the work was a major road renewal, which resulted in the removal of half a metre of material before it could be built up again.

Part of the issue with access was the restrictions on people driving in and out of a major work site.

“We did the western side of the road prior to the June long weekend and then the eastern side after that,” he said.

He said the recent wet weather caused delays to the final asphalting because the contractor required a dry pavement.

“We had booked it in but it had to be postponed due to the rain.”

“Council apologises for any inconvenience.”

Mr Stewart said now the road has been completely rebuilt it should not need work for another 30 years.

Shoalhaven councillor Andrew Guile was approached by a number of business owners who were frustrated by how long the work was taking.

“This dragged on for more than twice the time it was supposed to,” he said.

“Clearly the project had blown out for whatever reason.

“When you close down part of the Berry CBD for more than two months you’ve got to expect businesses to struggle, particularly cafes with outdoor dining.

“It just reinforces that we’re just not good at getting stuff right.

“I believe council should offer compensation to the businesses,” he said.

Barbara Chambers from Just Delicious Cafe/Deli said she has lost about 30 per cent of her normal trade over the past two months due to people avoiding the street. 

“I know the weather was against the workers, but with graders and rollers, it’s noisy and fumy.

“I’ve had two casual staff members who have had shifts dramatically decreased. 

“We feel we should be compensated. 

“I understand council had to do it but they should have offered compensation up front because that covers wages and rent. It would have alleviated some of the stress.

“Our expenses don’t decrease just because business does,” she said.

Ms Chambers’ concerns were echoed by Goldfish Toy Shop’s Kerrie Merchant.

“It has been a really big problem,” she said.

“Not only the lack of customers, but the dust and not being able to cross the road.

“Lots of people have been coming in and complaining about it,” she said.