Construction on Gig Harbor's scenic North Harborview Drive may be causing headaches for drivers, but locals remain in high spirits.
"It's not bugging me at all," Joanne Bucholz said. "I cannot hear it. I cannot see it."
Bucholz lives less than a block from the construction location.
The project, Donkey Creek Restoration, aims to clean up the intersection of Harborview Drive, North Harborview Drive and Austin Street. The project will also improve the local fish habitat.
Migrating fish currently swim through 200 feet of buried pipe to get from Donkey Creek to the harbor. The pipe will be removed and a channel will be dug, creating open access to the harbor.
"The project is really amazing so it is hard to get upset about," Christina McGahan, owner of Devoted Kiss Cafe, said. "Saving salmon is really cool."
McGahan's business is one block from the current construction site. She said business at her cafe will "definitely be affected," but because she is in favor of the project, she is not complaining.
McGahan said her business has been well-informed of all project developments.
"We need to consider residents, businesses and those traveling through," project manager Emily Appleton said.
North Harborview Drive was closed last week when construction started. Shawn Jang, a manager at Finholm's Market, said there was a noticeable drop in business but is not concerned.
"We knew the deal," Jang said.
Finholm's Market is across the street from Devoted Kiss Cafe. Jang hopes the project will increase business once completed.
Among others the project will increase on-street parking and resurface the involved streets.
For more on the project visit www.donkeycreekrestoration.com.
The project is scheduled to finish March 1, 2014.
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