A lifeline is in sight for Westland business owners.

The Waiho Bridge, which washed away two weeks ago is due to re-open by Friday.

It's cut off the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Westland Mayor Bruce Smith told Mike Hosking business operators are feeling the pinch.

He says locals can't complain about tourists driving on the wrong side of the road, because there aren't any tourists on the road.

"Despite some forecasted rain, we are not expecting any delays at this stage. It's been costing the community millions of dollars in tourism revenue."

Smith says the initial clean-up of the area is now almost complete, but there's still a big job ahead.

The Fox River and surrounds have been identified as the worst affected, with heavy items lodged in the river and the bush surrounding it.