Construction on Brookside in Tulsa has finally come to an end after a year-long project. This significant milestone has brought both relief and anticipation for the local business community. One business owner in the area, Sean Welborn of the Slo Ride Tavern, shares his experience and hopes for the future.

From Construction Chaos to Business Booming

Impact on Business

Sean Welborn's Slo Ride Tavern faced numerous challenges during the construction. The constant blocking of the entrance, which occurred at least four times, put a big strain on his business. "If you didn't know the alternate routes through the neighborhood, you'd simply drive by. It was a real challenge," Welborn explained. The construction also affected traffic from all directions, making it difficult for customers to reach the tavern. "Whether you were on the North, South, West, or East side of the road, getting here was always a hassle," he added.However, now that the construction is complete and the area has a facelift, Welborn is hopeful that business will start booming. "People are out and about having a good time during the holiday season. With two lanes and four lanes open, it's going to be amazing," he said.

City's Improvements

The City of Tulsa took on the project with the aim of improving drainage and fixing the road. Crews worked diligently to ensure these tasks were completed. Welborn acknowledged the hard work of the city crews, stating that it was a challenging process but necessary for the long-term benefit of the area.

Community's Perspective

Tulsa residents also had their say about the construction. Emily Cammas, a resident, shared her experience. "When it took longer and longer, I was getting impatient. The backups due to construction made it hard to get out of Walmart. People didn't even leave a gap for others," she said. But now that the project is finished, she hopes for a smoother commute.The city has moved on to a new project on Harvard Avenue between 41st Street and 51st Street for a waterline replacement and street rehabilitation project. The work is expected to continue through February, and the entire project is anticipated to wrap up by late August, weather permitting.