Downriver Businesses Coping With Fort Street Reconstruction Project

WYANDOTTE (WWJ) - Businesses along the "Fort Street Work Zone" are saying "so far so good" as a two-year project to rebuild that stretch of M-85 continues this winter.

Crews are installing new sewer and utility lines in the median between Pennsylvania Avenue and Goddard Road with two lanes open. The $40 million project includes a four mile reconstruction project that stretches through Trenton, Riverview, Southgate, Wyandotte and Lincoln Park.

Patrick Haan, owner of Discount Drinks Liquor Store in Wyandotte, feared he would have to close his business, but taking a pro-active approach has made the difference.

"I have detour signs, trying to play off of the construction with a little bit of advertising, and then online I'm trying to offer a few more incentives to get people in through the construction to come see us. Everything you can do to promote your business makes all the difference in the world," said Haan.

Dawn Moore, manager of Jerry's Ace Hardware in Wyandotte, said the work in the median is not impacting business now, but she knows that will change when they start tearing up roads next year.

"You've just got to keep a positive attitude and just hope that it doesn't affect you like they say it might. But, I think we'll be alright, you know, we've been here 28 years and we have our clientele so I think we'll be fine," said Moore.

MDOT said the project should be completely finished by winter 2013.