Small businesses in Smithville are experiencing a drop in foot traffic and sales this summer as road closures and construction of two roundabouts reroute drivers away from the village.
At the heart of the disruption are construction projects at state Route 585 and Geyers Chapel Road and the intersection of Smithville Western and Honeytown roads. A third roundabout is in planning stages for the high-traffic Five Points area at Route 585 and Fulton and Back Orrville roads.
With detours rerouting traffic to Apple Creek Road and state Ro ute 57, many Smithville businesses are seeing far less drive-by exposure.
‘There’s very little trafficing coming through here right now’
Lisa Raines at The Carpenter’s Cup said the shop has remained open is seeing fewer visitors, especially in the afternoons…