ALPHARETTA, Ga. — First Body Wellness Center staff send new clients directions and a map before their appointments.
Even then, it’s often not enough, said owner Lucy Jimenez, whose business sits just north of downtown Alpharetta on Main Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.
“Everyone is always lost,” Jimenez said. “People are constantly complaining because they pull up 100 N. Main St., and when they get to the front, they’re like, ‘Where are we?’”
Since moving to its three-story building in 2024, the business has dealt with ongoing road construction that has often closed its main driveway and caused delays along Main Street. Jimenez and other affected business owners said they are frustrated the project has been delayed for years, citing damaged driveways, lane closures and other issues that hinder customers from reaching them.
“We’re pissed … honestly, just really annoyed that it’s taken this long,” Jimenez said.
Led by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the construction is part of a series of projects to overhaul Main Street and Ga. 9 to the Forsyth County line. Officials expect the project to ease traffic flow issues as the area continues to grow.
Construction began in April 2021 for improvements along Ga. 9 from Upper Hembree Road to Windward Parkway, with an initial expected completion date in the spring of 2024. Utility delays and design changes pushed that timeline to the spring of 2026, the state department said. City officials said the project is likely in its final stages.
The $50 million project will add two lanes for vehicles, bike lanes, on-street parking, upgraded drainage and pedestrian lighting, among other improvements.
The delays encountered by the state transportation department are in stark contrast with a tandem project led by the city from Old Milton Avenue to Academy Street, said Pete Sewczwicz, director of public works.
The city’s portion of that endeavor was completed years ago.
Jimenez said the project’s delays have harmed her business by hindering foot traffic. When she first moved into the building more than two years ago, she was told the construction would soon be completed.
“When we moved in back in March 2024, it was only supposed to be a couple months, and it’s been two and a half years,” she said. “And for a while, I was like, ‘Why are we paying full rent?’”
On a Friday afternoon in July, the main entrance remained blocked by construction crews, forcing customers to take a detour through an adjacent neighborhood to reach a parking deck. That has resulted in frustration and confusion with many customers, Jimenez added. She said she worries the road work also may lead some to think her business has not yet opened.
Jimenez is not alone. Several other business owners near her agreed, saying the construction has harmed their ability to operate.
Siva Doraisamy, owner of The Shipping Post at 175 N. Main St., said he signed the contract for his current building in November with the understanding the work would soon be completed. The location was attractive to him because of the activity and growth in the downtown area, and he expects the numerous businesses and residents there will seek his business out for their package shipping needs.
But he thinks the construction is severely cutting into the number of customers he sees each day. His business relies on foot traffic, he said.
“Let’s say, typically in a normal world, we see about 10 or 12 customers a day,” he said. “When the road construction happens on that side of the road, we may see two or three.”
The lack of information Doraisamy has heard about when the project will be completed also complicates planning for his business, he said.
Jim Pullen, owner of Secure Life Benefits at 133 N. Main St., said he agrees construction has created issues. He said customers of his financial planning business complain of difficulties in entering his parking lot. The roadway near his entrance has been flanked by orange barrels and choked with traffic.
“If you miss the turn to our business, you got to go around the block, and when it’s all logjammed, I mean that’s got to make anybody upset,” he said.
Pullen added he is frustrated by the delays. When he moved into his location about two and a half years ago, officials told him the work would be completed within months.
In the financial planning industry, it’s important to convey professionalism, he noted. Pullen said he worries the gravel driveway that has remained unpaved makes that more difficult.
“All that dirt, that temporary gravel, it gets in the tires in the parking lot, and then they track it in,” he said.
The issues are so serious that Pullen said he is considering relocating. The location he once thought was premier has become a liability.
“When I come up for renewal in January, I’m gonna have to move, or the rent’s got to come way down,” he said.
This story was provided by WABE media partner Appen Media.
