<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=32brTk_0vl97Bxk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=32brTk_0vl97Bxk00" width="1320" height="743" >BENTON, Ark. (KATV) — Benton and Bryant businesses have had to work around the ongoing construction for the ARDOT Highway 5 widening project for the past few months.John Kelly, owner of Longhill Wine and Spirits, said for several months it has been tough on he and his neighbors."It’s been problematic for our customers getting in and out, dealing with traffic backed up a lot," said Kelly. "Also the entries have changed and they were rough for a while so there was just a lot of activity going on around here.”With the road widening, it has taken space from the strip mall where Kelly's business is located and customers have had to navigate the construction, but despite that his customers keep coming."In the taking, they took a fair amount of land so they could widen the highway and in that circumstance we have lost a significant amount of parking," said Kelly. "It has had an effect on business but we have survived it and thank goodness we have good customers that are loyal to us.”Gary James, CEO of Benton Area Chamber of Commerce, said while they know it has been a nuisance for businesses he said the reward will be worth it.“Safety of our community and also better access to all of our business owners going forward," said James. "The more access we have, I think it will help the business owners in the future with their economic development, getting their product to the stores, and their customers can get here efficiently.”Kelly said he is excited to see the completed project and what's to come."It’s progress," said Kelly. "We are in a good location and it is a nice place to be. Helping people get around and get to shop local, if that makes it more convenient for them, then great. That is what we want.”Kelly said the construction has already started to ease up as they get closer to the end, making it easier on his customers to come by.James said they are hopeful that this expansion will bring more traffic and growth, bringing business to those located here.ARDOT said the estimated completion date is March of 2025, with about 60% of the project already completed.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Benton businesses persevere amid Highway 5 widening construction

BENTON, Ark. (KATV) — Benton and Bryant businesses have had to work around the ongoing construction for the ARDOT Highway 5 widening project for the past few months. John Kelly, owner of Longhill Wine and Spirits, said for several months it has been tough on he and his neighbors.