Businesses along detour routes get ready for Parkway East closure

July 8, 2026 - 06:32

The Parkway East closure begins this Friday, and the ripple effect is already being felt by businesses along the detour routes. With thousands of cars expected to be rerouted onto streets that are already congested, local shop owners and restaurant managers are preparing for a mixed bag of consequences. Some see a potential boost in foot traffic from stranded commuters, while others worry about customers being unable to reach them at all.

For coffee shops and fast-food joints near the main detour corridors, the hope is that drivers stuck in gridlock will pull over for a quick bite or a caffeine break. "We are stocking up on to-go cups and prepping for a longer lunch rush," said one manager on Forbes Avenue. But the optimism is tempered by reality. Many of these roads are narrow, with limited parking. A sudden surge in cars could mean delivery trucks get blocked, and regular customers might avoid the area entirely.

Other businesses, like auto repair shops and gas stations, are taking a more cautious approach. They expect a slowdown in service as the chaos unfolds. "People won't want to sit in traffic just to get an oil change," a mechanic noted. The closure is expected to last through the weekend, and local chambers of commerce are urging drivers to plan ahead. For now, business owners are watching the clock and hoping the detour becomes a detour for profit, not just a traffic nightmare.