Route 309 Construction Hurting Businesses

The Route 309 construction project is hurting some businesses that line the busy corridor in North Whitehall.

John Pittas, general manager of the Schnecksville Diner, said business has been down 40 percent since PennDOT began the road widening project near Education Park Drive.

His business suffered the worst loss on Palm Sunday and Easter in the eight years he's run the diner. Some of his staff have taken second jobs to help make ends meet.

"It's affecting families," he said.

Despite a large sign in front that says the landmark diner is open, "People are avoiding the area," Pittas said.

Business has been slower than usual a few doors down at Thao Beauty Salon, said Sunny Modessa, receptionist.

The salon has sent emails and coupons to woo back customers, she said. Fortunately, she said, the lane restrictions in front of the salon are expected to end by next week.

Some of the regulars who eat at the Schnecksville Diner four to five times a week have not been coming around as often, Pittas said. Business has slacked off from staff and students at Lehigh Carbon Community College and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute across the street. They've told Pittas they're worried they won't make it back to class in time because of the traffic caused by the construction.

"To make things even worse, on the weekends when [PennDOT isn't] working they only left me with one entrance and exit. People are concerned about getting in and out of the restaurant," he said.

If there is one message Pittas wants get out to the public it is: "We are open throughout this. There is access. It does not affect our quality of food."

Rob Takacs, bike shop manager at Fitness Central, said the construction in front of his business has hurt his business "a little bit" over the past two weeks, but he's not too worried. Takacs said his bike business is a destination stop.

"We're going to keep doing what we're doing," he said. "We'll get our parking lot back."