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Business owners worried about impact of Nickerson paving project

SEATTLE — Heads-up for commuters through Queen Anne to Ballard and Fremont: Nickerson is undergoing some heavy construction near the Ballard Bridge.

Crews are taking out pavement to make way for new pavement at the cloverleaf intersection where Emerson meets 15th Ave. just south of the Ballard Bridge.

During the first phase, crews re-paved Nickerson. Phase two will focus on Emerson and 15th, where until Oct. 22, detours will likely leave many drivers confused.

The heavy construction has some small businesses in the area worried about the impacts. One such business is Sam's Ethiopian restaurant.

Open for only a year and a half, owner Sam Biemnet Mehari said the work that's being going on for the past year has already disrupted business.

"From Magnolia to downtown, people are passing through. They use Nickerson, our customers ... we get them from the streets," Mehari told KIRO 7's Rob Munoz.

Mehari went on to say business hasn't been exceptionally strong and he fears more roadwork will keep hurting him and his neighbors.

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