Local business owners react to Gray Street construction

A busy Norman street is changing directions, and will no longer just be one way.

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — A busy Norman street is changing directions, and will no longer just be one way.

The City of Norman along with the Department of Transportation are changing Gray Street in the downtown area from a one-way to a two-way street.

Don Manchester is the owner of Manchester Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic. He said his business has been on the corner of Gray and Crawford Street.

"I think it's going to be an adjustment for the people that are used to driving one way," said Manchester. "I think it's going to slow the traffic down a little bit."

The City of Norman said the construction will be done in phases and Gray Street should still be open.

News 4 talked with some businesses who said they were against the change, but didn't want to go on camera.

As for Manchester, he said he believes this will be beneficial.

"I really am looking for business to increase," said Manchester. "I think it's going to be a huge boom."

Sergio's Italian Bistro on Gray Street said driving two-ways will take some getting used to, but they are keeping an open mind.

"As far as I know, the way they want to do this project shouldn't be too bad for us," said Sergio Garcia, Owner of Sergio's Italian Bistro.

Garcia said as long as people don't forget about them and other businesses on Gray Street, then everything will be okay.

"The final project is gonna be good but let's support small businesses while we have a project going on," said Garcia.

The construction is expected to take a full calendar year.