Local businesses concerned as construction begins on North Ave. in Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A construction project in Waukesha County to expand a main road in Brookfield is getting underway.

However, some local businesses are unhappy saying it is causing a headache for customers. 

"We ask everyone to keep coming in and support local businesses in general," Danielle's Deli owner Danielle Glavin said. 

Right now, utility work has started along a three mile stretch of North Avenue from Calhoun Rd. to 124th St. The project includes expanding that stretch of North Ave. from two to four miles.

Glavin said she's noticed a decrease in business since the utility work started.

"I've had a lot less customers and people saying that it's hard to figure out a detour to come around to Danielle's Deli," she said.

A local yarn shop said they're also concerned about customer accessibility during construction.

County leaders said the project is necessary and has been in the works for several years.

"To improve traffic operations and congestion through that route and also improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians along that corridor," Waukesha County Engineering Services Manager Carolynn Gellings said. 

Construction on expanding North Avenue is scheduled to begin late April or early May.

"We have placed a focus on maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction for the majority of the project's construction," Gellings said. "A big part of that is to make sure that we maintain business access, that the traveling public should plan ahead."

The entire project is expected to be complete by winter of 2021. 

Waukesha County has a website where people can get updates and other information as the project continues.