The positive impact of road construction in a community can help drive customers to local businesses. But it’s important to remember that construction can also cause business establishments to lose money in the short term.
Many cities give small business owners loans and compensation to help mitigate the effects of road construction projects. But the most valuable thing a city can do is keep everyone informed.
Keep Customers Informed
Road construction Boston, MA projects typically bring jobs for engineers, surveyors, construction workers, and equipment operators. This can help to reduce unemployment rates and stimulate the local economy.
Road improvements can improve traffic patterns and parking, but they can also cause problems in the short term for local businesses. When traffic jams, confusing detours, or even the presence of large trucks are involved, business sales can decline significantly.
Until recently, public officials rarely considered the needs of local small businesses when planning major transportation improvement projects. Many cities, however, have started to develop what are called “construction mitigation programs.”
One strategy has been providing business owners with various outreach services before construction starts.
Make Alternate Routes Easy To Find
When a business is affected by road construction, customers must know they are still open. One way to do this is by putting up directional signs. However, it is also important to contact the project manager to ensure that any directional signs erected do not violate any guidelines set by the construction management team.
Another way to keep customers informed is by posting alternate route maps online and distributing them through other methods, such as social media, billings, and bulletin boards. The maps should be marked with the location of the primary route closure and include office and off-hours (remote) contact information.
In addition to providing easy-to-read maps, the project manager should conduct regular public meetings to discuss alternate routes. At these meetings, stakeholders should decide on criteria to select the best routes. This process should be collaborative, including the local police department and State transportation/public works agency.
Welcome the Workers
Regarding local businesses, a road construction project can be both good and bad news. On the positive side, better transit and traffic flow can bring more customers to your business establishment. But on the negative side, construction noise slowed traffic, and parking restrictions can drive away even loyal customers.
While hurling curse words at the construction workers is tempting, it’s better to welcome them. After all, construction crews are the ones who help alleviate congestion, improve quality of life, and allow businesses to continue moving the economy forward. They’re doing a vital service, and it’s up to shopkeepers to find ways to attract and keep them. To do that, they must start planning their strategies well in advance of the start of the project and remain active until it’s completed. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Reconnect With Customers
As unpleasant as the sight of orange barrels and jackhammers is for drivers, it’s even worse for business owners. A road project intended to improve the downtown area’s aesthetics has led to complaints about lost revenue from local shoppers.
Despite the inconvenience, there are ways for small businesses to survive road construction. Some owners have created lists of loyal customers to contact via email and offered specials to encourage them to continue patronizing their stores during construction.
Other businesses have started a blog to share updates about the construction and encourage customers to come in during the work periods. Some have even developed personal relationships with the onsite project manager and contractors to ensure they know major events or deadlines. Once the construction is finished, residents will benefit from a safer and smoother roadway that requires less maintenance, reducing future spending. Plus, they’ll be able to get around easier, and traffic will be faster.
