Nixon construction adversely affecting local businesses

NIXON – Construction on HWY 87, particularly near its intersection with HWY 80, has been delayed repeatedly since beginning in late summer 2015. But since the road-widening project began on March 1 by new contractor Dean Word out of New Braunfels, local business owners, who say they have lost business because of delays, are hopeful work will be completed soon.

In fact, officials recently said the project will be finished within 10-11 months.

The Flower Tubb, located at 216 N. Nixon Ave downtown, is one independent business that has been having more downs than ups lately.

Owner Kathy Mejia said her flower shop has been adversely affected by the delays, but that she's confident the business will adjust until construction is complete.

“We have no parking on our side of the street, the traffic is so bad we're considering allowing access from the back street where people can come through our back door,” Mejia said. “People seem to be avoiding downtown because of the [makeshift] traffic lights. But the lights are so long, and the traffic has gotten worse.

Mejia noted that her store's business began a profit decline of around 40 percent beginning in October 2015, and is hoping construction will be completed before things get any worse.

“I think a lot of people are hesitant to stop here because of this,” she said. “And it's dangerous because of all the big trucks that come through.”

Across the street, Shawn Collins, owner of Pioneer BBQ, said that while his store has lost some in-house business from the heavy congestion, he's still making ends meet.

“We knew we were going to have problems, but we've done OK because we have off-site stuff like catering,” Collins said. “But it's been a disaster. The biggest problem is that they got so far behind on 87 that they let [work] go on 80 and tear all that up.”

Collins added that despite the delays, he is happy with Dean Word's progress in getting the job done.

“There's been a lot of frustration, but I can tell they're working as fast as they can,” he said. “All we can do now is be patient.”

Collins said Pioneer BBQ has also lost around 40 percent of its dine-in crowd due to people avoiding construction.

“The bad thing is a lot of people come into town to eat, and they only have 30 to 45 minutes for lunch. And they can spend 30 of those minutes sitting in traffic.”

Mayor Gladyne Finch said she is also impressed with Dean Word's work, and that she is optimistic these small businesses will be able to hang in there.

“Dean Word is doing a fabulous job getting things accomplished,” Finch said. “We're even seeing them working in the rain. They're progressing and doing things right.”

TxDOT representative Rodney Svec recently gave an update on the roadwork's progress, saying the project should be completed within 10-11 months. Svec said once work is completed on the intersection of Highways 87 and 80, construction will continue northbound on 80 all the way to HWY 97.