MIFFLINBURG -- Business is blooming once again at Barb's Bouquet and Gift Basket in Mifflinburg. For several months store workers say it's been a bit slow, with roadwork on Route 45 right in front of the shop.
"For us a good two months the foot traffic was almost non-existent," Barb Yost of Barb's Bouquet and Gift Basket said.
The nearly $4 million project began several months ago. The project improved drainage, traffic signals, pedestrian push button and the installation of new sidewalks including ADA-compliant curb ramps.
Right now construction crews are putting the finishing touches on sidewalks and curbs.
"People are starting to know that we're here and we're going to traipse through it," Karen Linn of American Rescue Workers said.
Linn is the manager at American Rescue Workers, a thrift store downtown. She said the road closure had a serious impact on business.
"It probably cut into the store about 66 percent. Donations were down, sales were down very much," Linn said.
Even though the detour along Route 45 has been lifted, PennDOT officials say some part of Route 45 will still be down to one lane through Thanksgiving.
Businesses in town said they will be happy when the project comes to an end.
"I'll definitely be happy when it's all done. I think they had a little bit of difficulty they didn't expect in the process, but yeah, just getting this part of downtown open has been a big help for the downtown businesses," Yost said.
Residents of Mifflinburg said it's been a long few months with detours and construction.
Michael Troup of Mifflinburg said he is happy with the projects outcome.
"They made it rally handy for like the handicap which is really nice too. The guys who did it did a superb job. They knew what they were doing and they took their time too." Troup said.
PennDOT expects the entire project will be complete by the end of November.
Officials said there will be minor traffic impacts over that time in the form of lane closures. Drivers can expect to see flaggers controlling traffic flow for concrete deliveries and other construction-related activities.