Tom Cruthers, the owner of Manchester Sports and Clothing Company, which has been a family owned bussiness in the area for more than 30 years, did not seem too worried about the construction taking place over this ten day period.
"I've been here 34 years. I think I'll survive," Cruthers said.
Others have used the closing of the intersection to their advantage. Nan Z Carts and Catering, otherwise known as "The Hottest Buns in Town," said they are one of the few vendors to benefit from the construction.
"The construction workers get a bite to eat here when they're hungry, plus our regulars always know where we are," said co-owner Nancy Lenhardt. A local customer then chimed in enthusiastically, "When you need a bratwurst, you need a bratwurst."
Not all vendors feel the same way. Anya Lincks, the owner of The Little Rooster Cafe, said that people seem to have a tough time finding her and some locals steer clear of the roadwork. The good news is that she still gets a steady supply of customers from the Equinox Hotel.
Others are also feeling the strain the construction has put on their business. Bob Burgess, owner of the Manchester House and a supporter of the project, said the impact has been real, but hopes to
"Sales have decreased by about 30 percent during construction," he said. "We'll stay open later during October, until about 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. to make up what we have lost."
Charles Eichel, owner of the Smokin' Trout cigar and pipe shop might have summed up the feelings of many of the local merchants.
"We will be happy when it's done," he said. "It's really hurt us."
The businesses do not have to worry for too much longer. The intersection that has been closed in the middle of town since Tuesday, Sept. 4 is scheduled to open on time on Thursday, Sept. 13 at noon, as The Journal goes to press on Wednesday. Despite some rainfall and a powerful storm that swept through town over the weekend and knocked out electrical power throughout parts of the area and somewhat slowed progress during the construction, the intersection is getting completed one step at a time.
"Downpours have slowed progress, but nothing major," said Tricia Hayes, the junction improvement projects public information officer.
None of this means that construction is finished. Paving Main Street is next on the agenda. The paving is set to begin on the nights of Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 12 and 13, and will not include any sort of paving at the intersection. During that time Main Street will be closed only at night.
This should be good news to locals in the area. They can now drive through town without dealing with the detours.
"The schedule has exceed my expectations," said John O'Keefe, Manchester's town manager. "There's still a lot to do. This is just one big step forward."
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