Forest Lake businesses hope new bridge will bring back the bucks | News

For nearly five months, drivers heading north went right by Forest Lake. That's because the Broadway Avenue Bridge was essentially gone. But it's now been rebuilt and better than ever, and businesses in the area that suffered during the construction are breathing a big sigh of relief.

"Right away, business slowed," said Jon Ihrke, the manager of Keys Cafe and Bakery.

"Wow, it was challenging," said Arlene Ayer, a clerk at the Country Inn Suites.

"It was confusing, " added Lindsey Wesselink, a worker at Taco John's.

"Sales were definitely off," explained Kathy Kirchner, a manger at Cub Foods.

All of these employees of businesses off the Broadway Avenue corridor have stories to tell about the last five months--and all of them aren't particularly pleasant. That's because the $28 million Improvement Project on Broadway has resulted in detours and delays, confusion and frustration, and most of all, decreased dollars at their cash registers.

"Trying to get off the freeway was challenging, " said Arlene.

"A little bit inconvenient," echoed Lindsey.

"Don't get them wrong, they're all excited about the new bridge that stretches over I-35.

"It was very needed. The old one was too small, " said Lindsey.

"The new one will handle traffic much better because it's wider," said Kathy.

But the financial toll was starting to mount. "I'd say business dropped at least 30 percent," Kathy said. Cub had to lay off at least 15 workers. Fortunately, now that the construction is nearly complete, it's able to hire most of them back.

And to celebrate the new bridge, all of the businesses along the Broadway corridor are giving away food and prizes Saturday October 22nd and Sunday October 23rd. For example, the Country Inn Suites are offering a drawing in which the winner scores a free one-night stay. They're also passing out candy to the kids.

Not to be outdone: "We're giving out free cookies, " said Jon, over at the Keys Cafe

And even more deals at Cub and Taco John's. In fact any business along Broadway with blue balloons out front is offering up something special.

In the end, the Broadway business employees say all the hassles were worth it--as long as the brand new bridge brings back their business.