Columbia Pike construction impacting small businesses in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — Construction on Columbia Pike in Arlington is causing a headache for many local businesses.

Arlington County has been working to make improvements to the major thoroughfare. But many local business owners said it’s driving their customers away.

Orange cones, construction crews and torn-up pavement have lined Columbia Pike right outside many businesses’ doorsteps.

“It’s harder for people to get here,” said Celtic House Irish Pub General Manager Chris Devenney. “The county, they’ve also taken away some of our parking for the last couple of weeks … so people can’t park around the building.”

Devenney said business is down 30%.

“Every small business you take a risk with stuff,” Devenney said. “But this is unacceptable what’s happened to us. And it’s not just us. It’s all of our neighbors around us.”

A few doors down, Ly’s Cutting Edge Salon is nearly empty.

“We lost like 50 to 60%,” Ly’s Cutting Edge Salon Owner Puteary Thon said. “We don’t have walk-ins at all. They’re gone. They don’t want to come to Columbia Pike at all.”

The construction is part of Arlington County’s effort to transform Columbia Pike with sidewalk improvements, bus stop upgrades and above-ground utilities installation. 

In a statement, Arlington County said the project will reach substantial completion by the end of the year, and it appreciates the community’s patience.

“That’s one of the reasons we’re here. We want to keep supporting them during the construction because I know it’s really impacting the restaurant,” customer Blair Moorhead said.

The county said businesses can get resources through Arlington Economic Development programs. 

But several businesses have said they have not received help from the county.