KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Some businesses on Broadway said they're struggling to get people in the parking lot due to construction.
The Knoxville Utilities Board is upgrading water and wastewater systems that are more than a century old.
"On Broadway Avenue, we've been coordinating work to upgrade the water, wastewater and electric infrastructure ahead of a TDOT roadway improvement," said Liz Hanna, manager of KUB communications.
As cars weave through orange traffic cones on Broadway, many pass by a local business, Time Out Deli. Its owners, Yadira Lopez and her husband, said the traffic has been deterring customers.
"It's difficult for the customers," Lopez said. "It's hard to get into the parking lot."
The Lopezs have reached out to the city about the light at Cecil Avenue being out. It flashes yellow, and the flow of cars keeps going.
"They stopped the traffic light, and now nobody stops," Lopez said. "People cannot get in, and people cannot get out."
Down the street from Time Out Deli is the Blom Shop, which sells THCa and Delta-9 products. The general manager of a soon-to-be-open location in West Knoxville, Amy Roskop, said the business communicated on social media and has made signs telling customers where they could pull in.
"Customers are still coming in," Roskop said. "This is a need for them, so as long as we show them what entrance is open, they find a way to come in."
KUB said the project is supposed to be finished in June. During construction, KUB said it sent mailers to notify local businesses. KUB said it plans to reach out to the owners of Time Out Deli to discuss concerns.