OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Businesses along I-435 are bracing for another hit as the interstate shuts down this weekend. Construction is forcing a closure Friday and Saturday as crews lift girders into place for the new interchange at Roe Avenue.
Although a month ago, management wasn’t so sure business would continue to boom for Brobeck’s Barbeque, the sound of the cash register opening has yet to stop.
“We were a little concerned at first,” Manager Becky Riley said.
That’s because the Roe Bridge was torn down, forcing customers to find alternate routes to get to their burnt ends and brisket.
“Lunch and dinner might’ve swapped a little bit, maybe a little slower at lunch and busier at dinner, but the volume is still the same,” Owner Doug Brobeck said.
But construction hasn’t been as kind to nearby businesses. Goodcents had to create an eye catching sign to let customers know they deliver after a major halt in sales. But back at Brobeck’s Barbecue, the door hasn’t stopped opening.
“Our customers have been so great. They find a way to get here. It might take them a little longer but they still find a way to get here,” Riley said.
“I’m absolutely one of those people. I eat here at lunch time and every time we have a party this is where we get our BBQ,” customer Gary Berke said.
But now these businesses and customers are preparing for another detour. I-435 eastbound will be closed Friday night and re-open at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Crews will close I-435 westbound Saturday night, reopening at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
While some owners close by are preparing for the worst, Brobeck’s isn’t worried because they know their customers won’t let a detour stop them.
“Thank you so much for coming around all this mess and still supporting us,” Brobeck said.
TRAFFIC DETOURS:
- During Friday to Saturday’s closure, traffic will be detoured south on Nall Avenue, east on College Boulevard and then north on Roe Avenue, and pick up eastbound I-435.
- During Saturday to Sunday’s closure, traffic will be detoured north on Roe Avenue, west on 103rd Street and south on Nall Avenue, and pick up westbound I-435.
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