For years, many wondered what economic impact the Nelsonville bypass of U.S. Route 33 would have on the city of about 5,000.
After decades of anticipation culminated in the bypass’ opening Tuesday, at least one local store is saying the impact is clear: business is decidedly normal.
“(Business) has been right up to par,” said Dave Degenhardt, Rocky Boots Company’s director of retail. “We’ll know a lot more by the end of the month but at the moment it’s been normal.”
In fact, Degenhardt said he doesn’t anticipate sales will drop off at all at the local boot outfitter.
That’s not to say, though, that he doesn’t have his work cut out for him.
“We certainly will be doing a lot more marketing this fall than last fall,” Degenhardt said. “We’ll continue to pursue additional billboards if necessary.”
Degenhardt may notice any change, but Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman David Rose said he’s already heard from drivers enthusiastic about the expedited traffic.
“I was out there … when we opened up westbound and we had multiple people driving waving and honking their horns,” Rose said. “People have waited a long time for this road to open and they showed they were happy for it.”
Among the pleased motorists was Mitch Stevens, an Ohio University sophomore studying special education, who made a trip to Columbus Tuesday to observe classes at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic Center.
Stevens drove through Nelsonville on his way to Columbus, but took the bypass after it opened at about 3 p.m.
Besides avoided gridlocked traffic in the city, Stevens said he also enjoyed the 70 mph speed limit on the bypass.
“It was definitely a noticeable difference,” Stevens said. “…Probably about 15 to 20 minutes quicker.”
Stevens used to dread the long drive back to Athens after a full day of class observation, but he said the bypass changed his outlook.
“We still have two more (observations) but after how long the day feels, it‘ll be nice,” Stevens said. “Coming back, you just want the day to be over with and it’ll be good.”
sh335311@ohiou.edu
@SamuelHHoward
