‘It’s been terrible.’ Work on South Tacoma Way hurts business, restaurants say
Businesses along South Tacoma Way say recent construction on the roadway has resulted in a drastic decline in business and sales.
The construction is part of Tacoma’s Historic Water Ditch Trail project, an effort to restore a 110-year-old trail that passes through Tacoma and continues to Mount Rainier. The work is in its third phase and includes efforts to enhance pedestrian safety, according to the city.
That construction has meant that South Tacoma Way is down to two lanes, the city’s website states. For Lucky Silver Tavern and Marcia’s Silver Spoon Cafe, it also means that some people think their establishments are closed. Staff at the two restaurants also said parking has been difficult for customers, who sometimes just give up and decide not to come in at all.
“The City appreciates the patience of the business community regarding the temporary impacts necessary to complete the Historic Water Ditch Trail,” city spokesperson Maria Lee wrote to The News Tribune in a statement. “We remain focused on efficiently delivering these essential infrastructure upgrades—including improved drainage, safety lighting, and connectivity—to ensure a more accessible and resilient corridor for the long-term future of South Tacoma Way.”
Work on the project started in 2008, but construction on South Tacoma Way between M Street and Pine Street started on July 7 of this year and likley will last until next July, according to the city. The city estimates that the years-long project will cost about $14 million, covered by a variety of grants, federal funding and local tax revenues.
Ashlee Luna, who has been a server at Marcia’s for 20 years, said the area around the restaurant already had low foot traffic. With construction making the storefront harder to see, customers are even harder to come by.
Luna said her tips are down, and she has spent hours on Instagram live videos recently through the restaurant’s account to let people know that they are open for business.
“It’s been terrible, especially as a server around the holidays, trying to make Christmas money and literally just standing there with zero customers,” she told The News Tribune.
Marcia Crelling, who owns Marcia’s, said sales at the restaurant are down to a third of what she was making before the construction started.
“It’s just ridiculous,” she said. “I can’t pay my bills.”
Crelling said she hears from customers that the construction has gotten in their way, and in general has deterred traffic on South Tacoma Way. Crelling, who has been in business in South Tacoma Way for over 30 years, said she’s never seen construction that’s gotten in the way of business as it is now.
Leina Mills, a bartender at Lucky Silver Tavern, said the construction has been confusing for customers who are intending to park nearby and go to the establishment. Because the closures are hard to navigate, especially when the sun goes down, many customers give up and leave.
Mills said bartenders aren’t making as much as they used to and have had to look for other jobs to supplement their income.
“Especially with bills going up because of it being colder out and everything, it just made it a little bit more difficult,” Mills told The News Tribune.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
