CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Most drivers on the south side know that traffic can build up quickly on Everhart Road. It will be even more congested once a major improvement project gets underway.
As KRIS 6 News has previously reported, the project will completely reconstruct Everhart from Holly Road to SPID. When work starts, the intersection at Everhart and Bonner will shut down.
The intersection closure will only be during the early phases of the project, but city staff predicts that will be between one and two months.
That has businesses in the area worried about how their bottom lines will be impacted. Some of the owners and staff say there's a chance that regular and potential customers will avoid Everhart altogether. But they remain hopeful that people will plan for any detours, pack a little patience, and continue to support them.
The Chop Shop Barbershop has been on Everhart near Bonner for 13 years.
"It'll probably affect it a little bit but, to tell you the truth, Chop Shop has been here for so long. Our clients are always coming back," said employee Victor Napoles said.
Gladys Gutierrez, who works at Taqueria Jalisco No. 4 on Everhart, said, they hope they can count on their customers' continued support and understanding during the project.
"You know, all the streets go through this so we're just hoping for the best," she said.
For now, it's unclear how people will be detoured when the Everhart/Bonner intersection is closed. A city spokesperson told KRIS 6 News that the routes are still being finalized. Signage to warn drivers of the closure and detours will be posted.
The first phase of the Everhart Road project is expected to start within the next couple of months. The entire project is expected to take 18 months to complete.
The city is providing regular updates on the project on its website. You can visit that page by clicking here.
