The Johnson Drive reconstruction project that started in mid-2013 in Mission, Kan., is finally coming to a close.
For many business owners, having their parking blocked off by construction for so long dealt a major blow to their bottom line. Hershel Casey of the Casey Brothers service station said that he was surprised by just how much the construction hurt business.
"Well during the summer months, we were down about 45 to 60 percent on business," Casey said. "I think it took about twice as long as it should've."
Carla Clark, owner of Dips and Sips ice cream shop, said that, while her business was also hurt by the project, things are starting to turn around.
"We're starting to see traffic again," Clark said. "Now the only thing that's left is for them to finish the street lights."
For some businesses, the construction actually worked in their favor. Twisted Sisters Coffee Shop owner Sandi Russell said that her shop’s visibility went way up during the long months of construction.
"We really were one of the lucky ones because it slowed traffic down enough that people went, ‘Oh my gosh I didn’t know there was a coffee shop here,'" Russell said. "You just can't get between people and their coffee."
Now that the road is back to four lanes and sidewalks are open, business owners are anticipating plenty of holiday shoppers.
