Downtown merchants optimistic despite effect of bridge closing

Despite the closing of the main bridge into New Bern, downtown is still an accessible shopping and tourist district.

Before the Alfred Cunningham drawbridge was closed in May 2007, the state Department of Transportation counted an average of 16,200 cars going to and from downtown each day.

With that entrance from the Trent and Neuse Rivers closed until late 2009, some businesses have suffered, with traffic rerouted to more westerly exits from U.S. 70.

But a number of merchants remain optimistic, and tourist traffic has remained steady.

After meeting with concerned merchants in the fall of 2007, the state Transportation Department increased directional signs along heavily traveled U.S. 70, pointing to downtown.

The situation was compounded from the start by a sluggish economy and rising fuel prices.

Mark Mangum, owner of the Galley Store and Marina, said his market sells everything from "steaks to beanie weenies." He is also the only source of gasoline in the immediate downtown district.

The bridge closing "has been a major impact," he said, adding that in general the missing element of business traffic was from the local area.

"The tourists are still here," he said. "Obviously that is a seasonal issue." He said merchants were trying to promote a "rediscover downtown" campaign.

"I think there is a perception that it is so much harder to get downtown than when the bridge was here," he said. "In fact, it's not that much out of the way - just go one extra exit (Pembroke) and then come back and it takes about three extra minutes. But there is a perception there and trying to change that perception is difficult."

The Chamber of Commerce's Downtown Business Council lists 42 retail members, with 139 total members, including banks, real estate offices and individuals.

Some specialty shops, such as Carolina Creations, have seen little effect from the bridge closing, according to co-owner Michael Francoeur.

"We're American craft. We have things you can't find any place else in town," he said. "I don't think it has bothered us a great deal at all. I know some of the other people feel differently, but all things being equal, our business is still good."

The bridge closing aside, he pointed to the overall economy as a major factor in business traffic.

"The business climate is not all that good just now with all the things that are going on," he said. "But the bridge, in my estimation, is not the onus that some people think it is."

Greg Smith at Mitchell Hardware said he was among the optimists about the negative effects of the bridge closing.

"It depends on who you talk to," he said. "Compared to the big-box stores, we're all small businesses. Here at this store we have remained steady the entire time."

Smith said he and other merchants feel gratitude toward customers who have remained loyal.

"I've appreciated the public sticking with us during this period, and I've heard it from a lot of other businesses." Smith said. "We know that it has been a hardship for a lot of people, but they have been very loyal and a lot of us have appreciated that."

There has been no serious downturn on Tryon Palace traffic, according Nancy A. Hawley, the palace communications manager.

"We expect to see fewer students this fall because high gas prices may cause schools to cut back on field trips," she said.  "If anything, I feel gas prices may have more of a negative impact on visitation than the bridge closing."  

On the James City side of the river, the 115-room BridgePointe Hotel has not suffered.

"We've never been busier," said Gary Curry, sales manager.

He said the Department of Transportation added signs along U.S. 70 noting the exits leading to the hotel and the Outback Steakhouse, the two main businesses along the east side of the river.

Merchants like Mangum and Smith point ahead to better times once the bridge reopens.

"We're very optimistic for the future," Mangum said. "I think there is light at the end of the tunnel and there is a silver lining, but we're still in the storm."

Smith agreed there was downtown optimism about the new bridge.

"It's going to be beautiful," he said. "And I can't help but think the public understands that."

Once the new bridge opens in 2009, it is expected to steadily increase its traffic volume. The state estimates that the vehicle count will double in 20 years.