BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The Big 6 Project, which spans over 11 miles along Highway 6 from Highway 21 in Bryan to William D Fitch Parkway in College Station, is impacting more than just local businesses.
The Highway 21 Dairy Queen officially closed its doors yesterday, citing the impact of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) construction along Highway 6. With the closure, it sparked conversation about how construction is affecting local businesses and what it could mean for the future.
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Paul Patranella, co-owner of Bait Barn Fisheries, says he believes the project is good for the community.
“I believe that anything they can do to show people how to drive safer is good for the entire community, even if it takes forever,” Patranella said.
With the Big 6 Project still years away from completion, business owners like Tim Sandifer, owner of Brazos Valley Stump Grinding and Tree Service, say the timeline can be frustrating, but many understand the need for change.
“Well, I feel like it’s a necessity, unfortunately,” Sandifer said. “It’s part of progress. With this city growing like it is, it’s a necessity.”
Even with city growth, chains like Dairy Queen have closed their doors, but others say they’ve managed to adapt.
“As far as our business goes, it’s thriving here,” Patranela said. “We’ve been here since 1952. So all this has kind of come around us. We’re grandfathered in. We’re just hoping for the best, you know?”
For many business owners, safety is the top priority, especially along a highway known for speeding.
“Well, the length of time that it takes is pretty much irrelevant to us,” Patranela said. “As long as it slows people down, it seems to be working. My concerns really are just the same people who always speed in the fast lane, you know, have to be there quick. That’s the people that concern us.”
But there are concerns that construction will reduce visibility and customer traffic as drivers use alternate routes.
“It would dissuade traffic flow because of the construction, and people take other avenues, so you have less exposure to your business fronts,” Sandifer said.
TxDOT was contacted, but no one was available to speak about the potential impacts’ construction can have on businesses.
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