Video: Construction hinders access

Business owners and employees have frustrations with Northeast street construction as there is limited access to parking and safe crosswalks. 

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Story by Madisyn Brey / The Hubbard School

Construction season frustrates business owners and people due to lack of street accessibility

“I’ve heard several people, “Oh we were gonna come for dinner but we couldn’t even get over there the traffic was so bad.” or “We couldn’t find a parking spot, so we had to find somewhere else to go,” said Jennifer Horton. 

Business owners are finding the construction in Northeast challenging due to lack of street parking accessible to customers. 

“Obviously, I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life. Construction is a thing, it’s gonna be for the “greater good,” but it’s really tough for small businesses to try to make it,” said Horton. 

Due to the harsh winters in Minnesota, summertime sees a surge of construction all over the state. 

“It overall has just like cut back on places like that we can go,” said Gabby, who declined to give a last name. 

“It’s like really hard to like cross the like street anywhere. We’ve been like jay walking cause like there’s no crosswalks for anyone to go to,” said Gabby.

People in the area are having trouble maneuvering the city streets with very little access to crosswalks and sidewalks. 

“If you’re in a wheelchair, like good luck. There’s no way that you’re going to be able to like get anywhere,” said Gabby. 

Most of the summer street projects that are currently underway are set to be finished by fall 2024.