Business owners along Montana Avenue say years-long construction is taking a toll on sales and daily operations, with some reporting dramatic drops in revenue as the massive Montana Project continues.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began the Montana Project back in 2019 to widen Montana Avenue into a full expressway with new frontage roads, pedestrian upgrades and added capacity to ease traffic between Global Reach and Loop 375. The work is expected to wrap up in 2027.

For Elian Estrada, owner of La Wheela — a unique restaurant and bike shop — the impact has been harsh. “We had basically had lines out the door. You know? People waiting for two hours just to get seated here,” Estrada said. But since construction arrived at his doorstep earlier this year, he said revenue has plunged from about $3,000 a day to just $300 on good days.

"That’s a lot of customers, you know? We're, we're losing. And obviously, it is very, very frustrating. It's, it's a little mind-boggling,” he added.

Other businesses in the same shopping plaza say they’re seeing the same struggles. The manager of Under the Rainbow Daycare and Learning Center said parents don’t want to navigate detours and congestion to drop off their kids. “Some of them have told me they cannot enroll the kids here because they don’t want to pass this same issue with the traffic. They decide to go to another daycare,” she said.

Allstate Insurance agent Julissa Garcia said simple walk-ins have dropped too. “So we have had to find reroutes lately, like 3 reroutes now, trying to get to work because they keep closing streets. It’s such a hassle to just come in, or some of them miss the street too,” Garcia explained.

TxDOT spokesperson Lauren Macias Cervantes said the department is doing its best to ease the burden on local businesses. "We have worked collaboratively with the businesses to make sure that there is access to their location. For drivers, we would say, you know? Be patient. There is a lot of equipment. There's new configurations,” Cervantes said.

In response to concerns, TxDOT confirmed to ABC-7 that the “permanent driveway [for La Wheela and others] was poured today and will open once it's cured next week.”

Despite the headaches, Estrada remains hopeful. “The best we can do is just, you know, keep going, keep moving forward," he said. He’s eager for the day when customers come back, the bikes roll in and his once-busy café is buzzing again.

TxDOT reminds drivers to obey lower speed limits in work zones, stay alert for equipment and never drive distracted.

The Montana Project is one of El Paso’s largest transportation investments, aimed at easing congestion and improving connections through a rapidly growing part of the city. But its multi-phase timeline means businesses along the corridor must navigate noise, dust, lane closures, blocked entrances and shifting traffic patterns for years to come.

Small businesses like La Wheela, which built its reputation as a popular post-ride hub for cyclists, say clear communication and reliable access are critical to survival during the long haul.

Some owners hope the final improvements — new frontage roads, safer crossings and a smoother commute — will bring in new foot traffic once the project wraps up. Until then, many are relying on loyal customers, social media updates and word of mouth to remind the community they’re open despite the orange cones.

TxDOT officials say they will continue working with nearby businesses and homeowners to limit disruptions where possible.

Originally reported by Rosemary Montanez in KVIA News.