On most days, traffic is usually backed up on Ramsey Street. Victor Kalevas owns the Brickoven restaurant near Law Road. He says some customers, who used to eat his family owned restaurant, are passing him by.
"They say it takes them too long to get here, stuck in traffic," he said. "Maybe it's better when they finish with it, but right now we're down I'd say 20 percent, 25 percent down."
Restaurant owner Mustafa Somar says the summer of 2011 was the worst in years. "Last summer was beautiful," he said."This summer was one of the worst we've had in nine years, and now between the economy and the traffic, we're choking."
There are three projects in progress in the area. In addition to the DOT installing concrete barriers on Ramsey, the city is installing sidewalks and Northwood Temple is widening the road in front of its church.
All of the construction has become a pain for motorists who have to travel on Ramsey Street.
"I've already seen one accident up here by Methodist College at the intersection, and it's just going to put a lot of people doing U-turns in front of people, I think," resident Venessa Atkins said.
The DOT says the project is about safety, and that statistics across the country show eliminating center turn lanes cuts accident rates.
"The installation of medians restricts left turns, which typically are the most severe type accident," said Lee Jernigan, DOT. "And with all the driveway access points we have along Ramsey Street, that should increase the safety and operation of Ramsey Street once the project is complete."
The barriers are being installed from County Club Drive to Farmers Road. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Until then, it's probably best to avoid Ramsey Street, especially during peak travel time.
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