BLACKFOOT – The ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Blackfoot have begun to limit access to a number of businesses in the area, causing concerns among local business owners.

The first phase of the $500,000 project started Wednesday morning, impacting the area between Bridge Street and Pacific Street on Broadway. Street and Sanitation Superintendent Scott Murphy spoke to EastIdahoNews.com about the initiative, explaining that crews are scheduled to replace roads, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks over the next 90 days. The project is set to conclude in mid-June.

“The road will be blocked to traffic for the duration,” Murphy stated. “There will still be walking access to each of the businesses. HK Construction (the contractor handling the work) is going to maintain that, except for maybe a couple days in a row where we’ll have it blocked off to give the concrete enough time to cure properly.”

While vehicle access will be limited, alternative parking options are available on the east side of Broadway and Bridge Street, behind several businesses. Murphy pointed out that this lot contains 33 parking spaces, with a walking path that connects directly to the businesses in the construction zone.

Stephanie Flores, who owns the Downtown Thrift and Gift Boutique and previously owned Downtown Bread Company, voiced her concerns regarding the construction’s impact on her business. "It would shut down our business, and we would potentially lose all our income,” said Flores, whose family relies on the thrift store as their sole source of income.

As a long-time business owner in the area, Flores explained that parking has always been an issue in this part of town. “If they’re going to be displacing 25 spaces, I foresee a huge problem with the parking we’ll be left with,” she stated. Flores has suggested that the city consider using a trolley system, similar to the one used during the Eastern Idaho State Fair, to assist customers in reaching the businesses during the construction period.

Flores emphasized that her comments were not meant to criticize the city, but to raise awareness of the potential challenges the businesses face. "We’re still here. We’re not going to be closed (even though the road will be closed),” she affirmed. “We need your business, we want your business. I’m hoping the city can work with us … to make it easier for customers to get to us.”

Murphy mentioned that the city took proactive steps to inform local businesses about the project, including visiting each one and hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the construction's effects. “Only about five business owners showed up,” Murphy noted.

This downtown construction project is part of Blackfoot’s broader initiative to revitalize its main business district and improve infrastructure. However, the disruption has raised concerns from small business owners who worry that limited access to their storefronts could deter customers. City officials are exploring possible solutions to ease the burden on business owners, such as offering better signage, redirecting foot traffic, and coordinating efforts to maintain access.

The construction is expected to continue through the spring and is seen as a crucial step in improving the long-term economic growth of downtown Blackfoot. However, its short-term effects on local businesses remain a concern, with some owners considering creative ways to bring in customers despite the temporary setbacks.

As the city continues the project, officials and business owners alike will have to strike a balance between the challenges posed by construction and the overall benefits of the planned upgrades for the community.

Originally reported by Relt Nelson in East Idaho news.