As the construction taking place at Exit 79 into Valley continues, some businesses are struggling.
Currently, multiple lanes at Exit 79 are closed for a reconstruction process, turning what was once a four-lane overpass, which connects Lanett and Valley on US-29, into a two-lane road. With the cones and barriers out, some businesses off of the exit have found themselves cut off from the highway traffic.
“[Exit 79 is] the first exit in Alabama so it’s a great time to stop and get something to eat and we love that, but at this time, we can’t really depend on that traffic flow and that tourism,” said Carrie Wood, director of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (GVACC).
Laura Cruz is the manager of the Raceway gas station that sits right off of the southbound ramp of the exit, entering into the Lanett side. The station has been hit hard just in the week since construction began.
“I am going to have to lay off one of my workers,” Cruz said sadly.
She said the station is making too little money to keep all of the staff while construction is going on. These doors were closed at 11 p.m. yesterday and will do so today. Usually, the station is open 24 hours. Cruz worries that if construction takes too long she will have to continue to lay off workers.