Local business expects losses from major roadwork outside storefronts

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -A project expected to last into 2027 is ongoing in eastern Colorado Springs, and a new phase of the project began on Monday leading to the closure of an intersecting road.

Barnes Road is expected to be closed up to three months between Marksheffel Road and Antelope Ridge Drive. That stretch is less than one quarter of a mile, but it falls directly in front of one of two access points to a strip mall. That building contains several businesses including a taco shop, a hair salon, and a veterinarian office.

“Most of the time you can take Marksheffel, but now it’s totally closed, so people are having trouble finding us,” said Liliana Hernandez, a manager at Sonora’s Prime Carniceria and Taco Shop.

Hernandez says she expects the business will take a hit over coming months with less drive-by traffic. The detour for drivers coming from the south on Marksheffel is about three miles long, and the only access point to impacted businesses is along Antelope Ridge Drive.

“I had one customer tell me they tried to come to the store, but saw the road is closed, so the person said they just went to the other store,” Hernandez said. “A lot of people don’t want to go all the way around.”

City of Colorado Springs traffic engineer Gayle Sturdivant says her office considered doing the Barnes Road work in sections, avoiding a full closure, but says that alternative process would take months longer and would be less safe for drivers and workers.

“… because of the lowering, it’s actually way more efficient and it will take about 1/3 the time because we are closing the road,” Sturdivant said.

Jessica Kimber, Economic Development Officer with Colorado Springs says the city wants to hear from businesses impacted by roadwork.

“We have a small business development center with consultants who can meet businesses where they’re at and help them pivot during times of construction,” Kimber said.

The city does not reimburse businesses for losses that may happen as a result of construction, but the city can connect businesses with resources to help during hardships.

“We ask that the local neighborhoods step in, shop local, support these businesses, because we want them around when the construction is done, so be sure to support them now,” Kimber said.

Sturdivant says the city considers impacts to drivers, residents and businesses before moving forward with any construction plans.

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