Delta Utility Services has confirmed it will exit its Otago and Southland civil construction businesses.

The proposed decision, with the loss of more than 70 jobs across the south, was announced last week.

The Dunedin City Council-owned company confirmed the move today.

The company says there was no viable alternative other than to close the businesses.

Delta chief executive Grady Cameron described the closure as a sad day for the company and its people.