MnDOT Study Examines Impact of Road Closures on Small Businesses

A recent Minnesota Department of Transportation study reveals that urban small businesses, especially single-location food services, suffered more from recent highway improvement projects compared to their suburban counterparts. Projects focusing on traffic patterns were more beneficial than those addressing infrastructure conditions. The study highlights the need for increased consideration of vulnerable businesses during construction planning. The findings may influence future project strategies, with discussions underway to integrate the study’s insights by 2024. The article also explores potential mitigation measures and suggests extending small-business eligibility for grants beyond project completion.