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10th Avenue South Business Owners Brace for Road Construction

10th Avenue South Business Owners Brace for Road Construction

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Mar 8, 2010 at 8:58 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 8, 2010 at 10:31 PM MST

One of the major roadways in Great Falls is about to experience some major changes. A construction project will widen 10th Avenue South from four lanes to six. While some business owners see the long-term positives, they anticipate some short-term headaches.

Much of 10th Avenue South is already six lanes, especially west of 20th Street South. Soon, the section from 20th Street to 26th Street will expand from four to six lanes.

Carl Halcro owns and operates Carl's Auto Care in Great Falls. Like many business owners, he is bracing himself for the major construction project.

"They are going to put a lane into my parking lot. I am a bit nervous about it because It will make my gas islands close to the driving lane."

The state provided Halcro with an aerial map, picturing the construction around his auto shop, including plans to add a turn lane on 23rd Street. He anticipates some inconvenience during the project.

"During the construction it will hurt my business quite a bit."

Halcro says the state told him that during construction at least one lane will remain open at all times. Although he is concerned about the hit to his business, he still sees the long term benefits.

“I think the traffic needs it. Ambulances have trouble getting by because people don’t have a shoulder to move to. I think six lanes will be good for 10th.”

Mick Johnson of the Montana Department of Transportation says that the first phase begins next Monday (3/15), as crews will make 9th Avenue South a detour route. Actual construction on 10th starts in the middle of April, with the project's completion set for this fall.

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