MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — Some business owners in Mooresville said they aren't sure if their businesses can survive the construction on Brawley School Road.
The state is widening a four-mile section of the road west of Interstate 77, and it's created a mess. Some drivers told Eyewitness News they've waited 45 minutes just to make a left-hand turn. It's easy to understand why some drivers avoid the road at all cost, and that's exactly what is hurting businesses.
The Department of Transportation closed the Brawley School Road entrance to the Harbor Point Plaza last month. Tom Lacon from Sebastiano's, a pizzeria in the plaza, said when it came to the amount of customers in his restaurant, "It was like night and day." Lacon said his lunch business is down about 75 percent.
The owner of an ice cream shop nearby said he's had to get another job to help make ends meet.
And Randy Roducki, who owns Carolina Ribs on the Run, said his sales numbers show his business may not survive.
"It cost me $850 to keep this restaurant open every day. Today, I'll probably take in $300 to $400," he said.
Two sections of Brawley School Road are being widened. Construction started in 2008 and is expected to finish in 2013.
Some business owners joined together to put up a sign near the road, telling drivers of another entrance to the plaza on Oak Tree Road. However, they didn't pay for a permit for it and it was taken down. Mooresville Mayor Chris Mahoney said he's going to see if there could be exceptions to the town's sign permit rules for the struggling businesses.