BOISE, Idaho — Traffic is one thing we all wish we had a little less of. But there's one type of traffic business owners are always looking for, foot traffic.
Another round of road closures is causing headaches for Boise business owners after construction caused the intersection of 9th St. and Bannock St. in downtown Boise to close.
For stores in the area, the closure has caused a drop in foot traffic - and a drop in business.
"You can tell right now there's just not that many people walking by," The Chocolat Bar manager Tiffany Routh said.
The decrease in business is nothing sweet for stores near the road closure.
"I would say at least 10% to 20% less [business]," Routh said. "Which is we've just got to get by and try to get our faithful in here some other way."
The construction started March 4, and is part of Ada County Highway District (ACHD)'s plans to replace the traffic signal at 9th and Bannock, as well as renovate the sidewalk and streets. The district says the road closures are needed for pedestrian and worker safety.
"The signal itself is over 50 years old, so that is our aging infrastructure that needs to be replaced," ACHD Construction Supervisor Kadee Porter said. "We have to respond to growth as well as maintain what we've got, - which is part of this project."
Construction on a water line closed roads in the same area last year. Porter said ACHD was scheduled to start construction earlier, but wanted to wait until after the holiday season when businesses see an uptick in traffic.
But current construction has still caused a roadblock from some stores, including Nara Ramen - which recently had its grand opening.
"Most of our business is people walking by and seeing that we have the 'Open' sign and there's people inside, but when they can't walk by they don't know we're open," Amara Molenhouse said. "So it's a little hard to get things going."
Even though roads are closed, businesses in the area want you to know they are still open.
"Sidewalks are open, downtown is open. We would love to see you there," Meriwether Cider owner Molly Leadbetter said. "Please don't let the orange cones detract from your experience downtown and supporting these local businesses that really could use your support at this time."
The road closures are expected to last until May.
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