Hillsborough Street businesses see construction stretch on, customers go elsewhere

The heavy equipment, barrels and barricades on Hillsborough Street are a sign of progress, but they can be bad for business in the short-term.

In the meantime, some business owners said it’s tough to get deliveries and customers to their shops.

“In spite of the city’s best efforts to speed things along and make everyone aware we are still open, the general public, once they are aware that this area is under heavy construction and traffic is often congested, the tendency is just to avoid the area altogether,” said Al Pleasants with Piedmont Litho.

After a monthly meeting with city officials on Tuesday to receive updates on the project, business owners said the city has done a lot to try to mitigate the issues, including installing signs to let customers know shops remain open during construction.

Despite the mess, business owners look forward to seeing the finished project, which could ultimately improve property values along Hillsborough Street.

“The brick sidewalk, the landscaping and the improved traffic flows, I think when it is all said and done, it will be a much improved venue for the property owners, the citizens, anybody that happens to be passing through the Hillsborough Street area,” said Raleigh Engineering Services Director Richard Kelly.