Local businesses losing profit during 5 Ave construction

WATCH ABOVE: Several businesses near the city’s 5th avenue construction are losing profits. Though there is still access to every business, the traffic going through the area has decreased. The Husky gas station says its revenue has dropped over forty percent in August compared to its previous quarter.

It’s not talked about to the extent of Whoop Up Drive, but construction on 5 Avenue North is causing headaches for not only drivers, but several businesses in the area.

“Business has fluctuated, it’s definitely not as consistent as it was,” said Bo’diddly’s Pub and Grill General Manager Bill Fox.

Fox’s pub is just off the 5 Avenue construction, and his business is feeling the effects.

“It’s definitely been a struggle, because traffic has just been chaotic,” said Fox, “I don’t know if it has to do with what zone they’re in, or the planning of it all.”

Fox said his weekday evenings have taken the biggest hit, and his business isn’t the only one to suffer.  Revenue at the nearby Husky gas station has dropped over 40 percent in August compared to its previous quarter.  The McDonald’s is having special construction sales, trying to push traffic to its location.

While it’s difficult for drivers and businesses to endure, Robert Kovacs, Senior Project Administrator for the city of Lethbridge, believes it will be worth it.

“You’ll see the traffic flowing for better in this intersection then along the corridor down fifth, all the way down Mayor Magrath Drive and up to both big box malls,” said Kovacs. “From Walmart to Walmart will run a lot more efficiently.”

In the meantime, businesses will have to wait it out.  The project won’t be finished for another six to seven weeks.

“It’ll be well worth it,” said Fox. “But, having the construction right outside your door for a 10-week period is a pretty big pill to swallow.”