NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR --
The clock is ticking until you won't see any cars but closed signs on a street in North Little Rock.It's from Bishop Lindsey Avenue all the way to Cypress Street.
"A lot of complications but we're optimistic we will do this maybe in two months," said Mike Smith, chief city engineer for North Little Rock.
Smith said crews will go underground to fix drainage to prevent flooding that neighbors experience during heavy rain. Then, the street will be completely transformed, with greenery, a median, and street lights.
"We're rebuilding the street in a manner that's hopefully going to be attractive and a good entrance into that part of the city," Smith said.
The engineer recommends drivers take Fourth Street, S.A. Jones Street, and Broadway Street for detours to get through downtown."
But the owner of the Firewater liquor store fears it could hurt business. He'll be forced to close his drive thru because of the closure.
That's one reason customers like Willie Peterson frequent the store.
"When it's raining you don't have to get out and out of your car. I like it because I don't like to get out," Peterson said.
And the closure could last through the holidays, which is the peak season for liquor stores. Smith assures the owner and customers, it'll be worth it.
"The short term inconvenience versus opening that street up and getting back in it is worth it, Smith said.
