INDIANAPOLIS - If you drive Indianapolis at all, you know road construction is at all-time high. There are some 276 projects underway across the city as part of Rebuild Indy.
While the road work will ultimately make for a smoother ride, it can come with a heavy cost for businesses caught in the middle of the mess.
Business owners in Fountain Square say they're definitely feeling the pinch. Wally Bolinger owns the Red Lion Grog House which opened a year and a half ago on Virginia Avenue amid high hopes.
Bolinger says the road to success took a detour after work began on the Cultural Trail in March.
"It's hard getting people out here when they don't know where to find a place to park," he said, noting that business has dropped 33%.
Worse yet, the project is nowhere near completion. Even though Bolinger and others were told it would be finished in July, the end date has been pushed back to the end of December because of unexpected issues. For one, workers discovered old trolley rails just below the street surface.
Sarah Holsapple with the Department of Public Works said the city knew the rails were there but thought they were much deeper. Since they're not, they'll have to be removed, disposed of and tested for possible environmental hazards.
She said there are also some issues that must be addressed with the state's historical preservation office.
Another setback: Workers discovered a light well vault under the PNC bank that will have to be removed, but since it involves bank property there are certain regulations and security guidelines that must be followed.
Work has stopped until the matters can be resolved. Holsapple said Public Works plans to meet with business owners Thursday evening to update them and answer questions.
Bolinger says he wishes the city would have kept them better informed, noting that many rumors have been flying as to why the delay.
Another four months will be tough to endure.
"I've had to lay off two kitchen guys and cut my service staff down just to fill in the gap and because I can't afford to pay them. I've had to up my own hours," he said.
Rebuild Indy - Stay up to date with road projects around the city.
