The County is aware of the hardship posed by our transportation project on the west end of Columbia Pike for businesses along the Pike. We regret that the new traffic patterns along Columbia Pike between South Jefferson Street and the Four Mile Run bridge, which will be in place for most of 2020, have made it harder for customers to get to these businesses.
County Board members and senior County staff have visited business owners impacted by this project and heard their concerns. Staff are exploring all options for easing construction impacts on these businesses, and significant steps have already been taken. Transportation staff are actively monitoring the roadway and making adjustments to improve safety and access. They have been reviewing feedback from the community to see what opportunities exist for adjustments of traffic patterns and other modifications as the work moves forward.
BizLaunch and BizLaunch en Español programs, in collaboration with County transportation staff, along with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO), are leading efforts to assist businesses located in the Pike Plaza.
BizLaunch is coordinating efforts in the upcoming weeks to bring together impacted businesses with experts who specialize in strategic planning and change management on the Pike. The program will be hosted by ECDC Enterprise Development Group along with the Latino Economic Development Center and SCORE.
The transportation construction project on the west end of Columbia Pike is project is part of a massive effort by the County to transform the Pike and make it work better for all who use it. We know that those who live, work or own businesses along the Pike have waited a long time for the transformation to be completed, and we are grateful for their patience and support.