Business owners worry over construction

MOBILE, Ala. - Desmond Robinson fixes cars for a living. But business, hasn't been all that good lately. "Right now, just trying to hang in there, for right now. Just trying to do the best I can," said Robinson.

Robinson fears the road work, right in front of his shop, could push him out of business for good. "Old Shell Road and Schillinger is closed for about six to eight weeks, because of some road widening going on along Old Shell Road," said Mobile City Councilwoman, Gina Gregory,

Shop owners like Robinson, and others said the only warning they got about the construction came when the detour signs and heavy equipment showed up.

While it's meant to tear apart the road, business owners worry it could tear apart their summer business.

The city said it is an Alabama Department of Transportation Project and that the state agency is responsible for letting folks know.

Matt Erickson, with ALDOT said the construction project was advertised in the newspaper last week. Gregory also said the city sent out a letter last month letting residents and business owners know about the construction.

Erickson said minor adjustments have been made, like moving detour signs, to let the public know the businesses along the stretch of Old Shell at Schillinger are open. That's something Robinson appreciates.

"If they got work, I'll do it. I'm still open. Regulator, windows, door locks, if you come by I will still be open." If he survives the next six to eight weeks of construction.

This construction is part of a bigger project to widen Old Shell Road from Schillinger to Hillcrest. ALDOT officials said that is expected to finish in December of 2010.

The city is planning a meeting for June 11th, at 6:30 to discuss the construction project.