Construction begins on Mabry

link Staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Construction started Monday on Mabry Drive on the eastbound lanes. Businesses along Mabry Drive will remain open.

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Business owners along Mabry Drive are beginning to feel a little pain now that the state started its road construction Monday, but they remain open for business.

“We're gonna have to find a solution to that problem,” Clovis Mayor Pro-Tem and Juanito's owner Juan Garza said Monday morning. “Whatever we're going to deal with, I think we can deal with. The contractor is supposed to have access to our place, but they've still got to dig holes to make improvements.”

Garza said the state would be digging all around his property before they give the road a “new look.”

“The road will be a lot better than what it is right now,” Garza said. “Travelers will have a better impression and won't have to deal with what we have right now.”

K-Bob's Steakhouse General Manager David Sammons said the lunch hour traffic was cut in half Monday.

“Especially since it started today, we have been pretty slow,” Sammons said. “I think it's affecting us.”

Sammons said the lunch hour usually brings in around $1,000. Monday, the restaurant had issues making $500.

But, K-Bob's has a plan to make sure customers know they're open, he said, and plans to utilize connections with their beer distributors to make signs.

“We're actually going to get together with the beer companies that distribute our beer and get them to make signs for us that actually say we are open and whatnot,” Sammons said. “And say that there's another way to get here, like taking Grand Street. We are going to look at that and make sure we keep our business going.”

Sammons said his district manager attended a meeting that the Department of Transportation held last week, and said the state would work something out with all businesses to make sure access wasn't cut off.

Kelly Hernandez, owner of Mi Cacita's, which opened on Monday, said business owners all along Mabry Drive have gotten together to make sure an access road sign is up so passersby will know how to visit each business.

“Everybody's been on the same page on the highways,” Hernandez said. “We've planned to do some kind of access raod sign so everyone can see that we are open.”

Hernandez said she thinks the construction has hurt grand opening expectations a little, but she isn't letting it get her down.

“I think it'll be OK; as long as we're good and have good service and good food, they'll come to see us,” she said. “It could've been better, but we won't complain. We're blessed. If you like it, you'll come back. You'll come see us.”

Manon Arnett, the public information officer and quality manager for the State of New Mexico Department of Transportation, said the construction will last 420 contract days and expects the construction to be complete by winter 2016.

“We just appreciate (the business’) patience,” Arnett said. “I know it's a hassle being in a populated area.”