Road construction headache for drivers, business for restaurants

by: Elizabeth Gentle
WAFF 48 News Reporter
egentle@waff.com

Rapid growth in Madison is leading to an explosion of new roads and highways.

That's causing driving headaches for some, but more business for others.

As detour signs reroute traffic, business booms for the Bandito Burrito Cantina in Madison.

"Its brought a lot of traffic down here to people who didn't know downtown area was here," says owner Walt Anderson.

Normally drivers bypass Church Street and take Sullivan instead.

That road is closed and a detour in place.

Drivers have no choice but to go downtown. Businesses owners are taking full advantage of all the traffic.

"Now that they are here, I have regular customers every week," says Anderson.

Some first timers are drawn in by this large sign posted on a second story balcony.

Directing hungry customers to "detour" specials and "train" time drinks.

Sterling Harris, head cook at the Bandito Burrito says they have more business now than ever, compliments of road construction.

"Its overwhelming," says Harris.

Back in the kitchen.

Employees scramble, preparing for a lunch crowd rush.

Sterling works the assembly line.

Loading floured tortillas with meat and cheese.

"We do triple the prep work we used too," says Sterling.

A sign of progress, a boost to revenue.

Restaurant owner, Walt Anderson, says road work around the city of Madison may be an inconvenience but its turning into a goldmine for businesses that are normally slow.

"Its one of the things we are glad to be doing. Bring downtown Madison back to live bring businesses back down here," says Anderson.

Work is going on all over Madison.

It could take several months to years to complete.