This browser does not support the Video element.
Business impact of Viaduct closure
Business impact of Viaduct closure
SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Alaskan Way Viaduct closure didn't just affect traffic, but businesses in downtown Seattle are digging out from lost revenue they believe is directly linked to the tunneling project.
With Bertha still making its way through Seattle, businesses said the viaduct may be open but they aren't in the clear yet.
As a shoe and apparel store in downtown Seattle, Sound Sports relies on feet walking through their doors.
“We get a lot of foot traffic,” said Sound Sports Owner Ben Raykovich, who has owned the business for 20 years.
However, he said the business took a hit during the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure as people like the Garvers avoided driving into Seattle.
“Last weekend we were going to go out for a date night and we looked at the traffic on Google maps and it was just solid red in downtown Seattle so we went to Bellevue instead,” said Mike Garver, a downtown Seattle visitor.
It’s why Raykovich and other businesses like Fado are excited the viaduct is open earlier than expected.
“Once that’s down everything will be great, it’ll be terrific,” said Raykovich. “But until then, Seattle businesses are going to have to tough it out, that’s including us.
Raykovich estimates the viaduct closure caused a 20 percent dive in business.