SPOKANE, Wash. — There might soon be light at the end of the tunnel for the Washington Street corridor construction.
The three-phase project has been going on since June and is set to wrap by the end of October.
The city said it hopes to open one lane in each direction the week of October 28.
Local businesses said they are excited for the construction to be finished so customers can get to their locations more easily.
“We’re excited that the repaving is wrapping up and the bridge will be open soon and customers won’t have to detour to get here,” said Daniel Webb, co-owner of Boulevard Mercantile on Washington Street.
The consignment shop has seen a good amount of construction in the past and said communication is key.
“Over the course of the life of our business, we have learned to communicate really well with our customers and to just be repetitive in that,” said Webb.
He said Boulevard is grateful to the customers who continued to support them throughout the duration of the construction.
“Our customers have been amazing throughout this process and they’ve endured this. They’ve found us each and every day and made it doable,” he said.
Bark Rescue, a local restaurant that partners with Spokane Humane Society, said construction has significantly impacted their business.
“We actually see about 30% less business than we normally would. We do get the benefit of being next to a lot of the activities around here with the events at Podium, the stadium and the arena, but we just can’t live off of that business alone,” said Bark Rescue co-owner Josh Wade.
Wade and his wife opened Bark Rescue in 2020 during Covid. Patrons can dine at their restaurant while meeting animals up for adoption at the Humane Society.
“Out of sight, out of mind, that is certainly something we see. I mean, people do know we’re here, but if they’re not driving by us, that kind of general marketing that the signs we have kind of go away,” said Wade.
He said he is ready to see more thru traffic on Washington once the construction is complete. He said he and his wife are grateful to their regular customers.
“Our loyal regulars, we just really appreciate the patronage you give us and the support you give us, and for understanding that it’s hard to get to us, but you still make your way here,” said Wade.
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