The Transport Minister has promised the new link to the Coromandel Peninsula will be put in place fast.
But for some residents and businesses, the completion date of early next year is still a long way away.
About 130 metres of State Highway 25A - a vital link for the peninsula's east coast, was washed away in the January storm.
The detour now adds at least an hour to a trip, on already fragile roads.
In the meantime some businesses are closing their doors and families are having to spend working weeks apart.
Construction on the bridge is set to start by the end of June, with the bridge in place early next year.
"If the income's not there, the flow-on effect is staff are released from their roles, they can't put food on the table for their families here because they can't travel anywhere else to get another job," Tairua clothing store owner Maree Smith told Checkpoint.
"This will turn into a ghost town if we're not careful."
Houses in Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
She said business is down about 60 percent.
Their shop is one of few that are open. Many others say it is not worth opening all day.
Smith said many residents are worrying about access to medical assistance, and some are already deciding to move.
"When you were in lockdowns, you had to adjust to that... That's when I set up my online store. This bridge - I call it the bridge to nowhere... it won't be open before next year. That just doesn't give us any surety."
It is also taking a toll on families, with some parents having to stay in Auckland during the week instead of making the now lengthy commute.
Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
"I know of people that are commuting to Thames, residing in Thames Monday to Friday so their children can go to school," Pauanui Business Association chair John Hindmarsh said.
He is happy to have a timeline on the SH25A fix, but said it means yet another summer trading period cannot be made the most of.
Kate Parker and John Callaway own Thames Antiques. This summer they've lost half their business, having to let staff go the week after 25A closed, once they realised it was not going to be a quick fix.
And with all traffic now using the Thames coast road, Kate said it is concerning how vulnerable the roading network has become.
They are hoping to apply for some government assistance for their business in order to stay afloat.
Thames Coromandel District Mayor Len Salt said the council has granted about 500 applicants financial assistance from the $450,000 in the Mayoral relief fund.
A further business support package was also rolled out across the Waikato region with $3.8 million available, but $10.8 million was requested in applications.
Another $4.5 million will soon be available. Len Salt said they are hoping to go back to places they could not help the first time.
