CLOSURE COULD AFFECT BUSINESS Business Owners Fear What Bridge Closure Could Do To Business
Reported by: Katy Brown
Videographer: Katy Brown
Web Producer: Katy Brown
Reported: Jan. 6, 2013 4:18 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 6, 2013 4:29 PM EST
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St. Albans
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
The Nitro-St. Albans Bridge has long served as a link between Nitro and St. Albans.
And now with it closing, it's not only drivers who are worried about the effects, but also the businesses on either side.
"Just because the bridge is closing doesn't mean we won't be open for business," said Dale Withrow of St. Albans Chamber of Commerce.
But visiting those businesses will soon be a challenge.
Starting Jan. 7, the Dick Henderson Bridge, also known as the Nitro-St. Albans Bridge, will be closed. And will stay closed until November.
This removes a link that not only connects the two cities, but also serves hundreds of people each day.
And businesses on each side of the river are nervous about the closure and its impact on their business.
"It doesn't seem like it's going to be a really good year," said Richard Stradler, owner of Richard's Country Store.
Richard's Country Store is on the Nitro side of the bridge and has already seen what closing the bridge can do to business.
"The last time they worked on the bridge was...in [1979] and it cost me about $40,000 in sales," said Stradler, "Because the people would come over and make one trip one and buy. But when they needed a couple petunias here, a couple pansies there, they didn't bother."
Now these businesses are bracing for another hit. But they're hopeful their loyal customers will take the road less traveled to visit them.
"St. Albans is still open for business," said Withrow, "and it's a good time to come down and rediscover St. Albans."
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Katy Brown
