MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
A coalition of businesses in Murfreesboro is hoping to stop what they are calling the "Bridge over Broad." Many feel they will lose customers because of limited access and street closures.
It's one of the busiest intersections in the ‘Boro where Broad Street intersects with Old Fort Parkway at Memorial Boulevard.
Some business owners are worried the bridge project will drive business away.
"It will devastate it," said David Kellermann, owner of The Very Idea. "I won't have any drive-by (customers). I will have to be a business that survives by destination only."
David Kellermann opened his business 21 years ago.
"We have five businesses within the same facility," Kellermann said.
He has survived the test of time, but he's not sure he will once this multi-million dollar bridge project is built.
"I hope to survive period if it's done," Kellermann said.
Kellermann has joined a group of business owners and citizens in Murfreesboro hoping to block the bridge over Broad Street.
"I don't think a bridge of this statue will enhance the appearance, and it's going to be three or four years of misery while it's being built," Kellermann said.
The group is concerned about a number of issues including funneling traffic away from the historic downtown square.
"If you're driving from the west part of Murfreesboro going to Broad Street, there is going to be limited access to the square and my business too," he said.
Another concern for these business owners is they said once the College Street entrance is closed, that's only going to drive away more customers.
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) spokeswoman Beth Emmons released a statement saying, "We know the businesses are not happy and are worried. TDOT plans to work with those businesses very closely to work through and resolve any issues they may have."
TDOT officials are calling this the State Route One project. They said it will improve the traffic flow by adding the bridge over Broad Street and also new on and off ramps.
TDOT will be holding community meetings with business owners and residents to get their input. State Transportation officials expect the bidding process for the bridge project will begin in the spring or summer of 2013.
Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
