Businesses near Hastings Southeast Roundabout look for traffic to return to normal as project nears completion

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Businesses near the Hastings Southeast Roundabout are still dealing with losses from construction at the roundabout, and owners are looking forward to traffic getting back to normal as the project nears completion.

Construction continues at the intersection of South Street and Elm Avenue. Progress has been made, and the east leg is now open.

Businesses in the area have found different ways to deal with the traffic issues that came with the construction.

Eldon’s Automotive Repair

Andy Huffaker, owner of Eldon’s Automotive Repair, said the construction caused issues for the business.

“It was very difficult for our customers to figure out how to get here at times just because it was kind of ever-changing,” Huffaker said.

Despite the losses, the business has been positive about the project and has posted much of the progress on social media. That has helped it gain a few followers.

“We actually made some pretty funny videos. If you go follow us on Facebook, you’ll see those. There’s enough negative in this world, so we tried to take the high road,” Huffaker said.

Big Dally’s Deli

Big Dally’s Deli, located across the street on the southwest corner of the roundabout, has also dealt with losses because normal access to customers was cut off, the owner said.

Owner Mike Bruns said opening the east leg has helped, but things are not the same.

“I think when people get out of a certain habit of going this way to go home or to come into town to work or shop, it takes a long time to get them back into the habit of using this intersection,” Bruns said.

Bruns said he hopes safety improvements are made to the area and more cars drive by.

“Just the traffic that goes by this intersection, which is the reason we picked this location, just has to come back to normal,” Bruns said.

Both businesses pointed to a loyal customer base, which has helped them get through the construction.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.