Construction Affecting Local Businesses

Just when you thought construction season was over, another big project in Sioux Falls could throw a wrench in your morning commute.

Beginning Monday, a joint repair project will start on East 10th Street.  This road carries thousands of cars each day, which means with delays can be expected even for businesses around the area.

Owners of the Flower Mill have gotten used to construction along East 10th Street since starting business here five years ago.

"It will affect some of the walk-in traffic that wants to come in and get an arrangement and go. The biggest concern for us would be the drivers and the delivering," Sheri Blare from the Flower Mill said.

Now with lane closures and traffic delays expected, the Flower Mill will have to be even more prepared.

"We have to make sure that we get them made in a timely matter so that we make sure that the drivers can get them there when they need to be," Blare said.

Being on time is so important the Flower Mill may even need some extra help.

"Yes, and we will probably have to have a second driver as a back up," Blare said.

But if the Flower Mill or any of the other businesses lining 10th Street are hoping for a break from construction, it’s not something they should bet on.

"Road construction is something that won’t stop forever because you have to keep maintaining the roads so expect that there will be projects in the future," Principal Street Engineer Wes Philips said.

While this project between South Cleveland Avenue and South Sycamore Avenue is only expected to last a few weeks, its effects could last for quite a few years.

"We are removing the old sealant and getting some of the rocks and sand out of the joints and that will help from the water getting in there and breaking everything up and degrading the road further," Philips said.

And for the Flower Mill, they can appreciate the work even with the extra strain.

"We appreciate the job that they do on our streets and you know, being able to drive on nice streets is almost worth the problems that we have because they do a great job here," Blare said.

The project will begin Monday morning starting at 8 a.m.  Officials are suggesting to take an alternate route as there will be lane closures and delays.