CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce is working to support local businesses struggling with the ongoing Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) construction along North Bridge Street, an effort that has significantly reduced traffic and customer flow in the area.
In a message to the business community, Chamber President and CEO Mike Throne acknowledged the financial strain many merchants are facing due to detours, decreased visibility, and fewer customers making the trip through the construction zone.
“If you do business on or near North Bridge Street, you don’t need anyone to tell you it’s been a hard stretch — you’re living it,” Throne said.
The Chamber says it has spent recent weeks gathering feedback from affected businesses and is now developing a coordinated response plan aimed at both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
A key part of that effort will include bringing North Bridge Street business owners together for an open forum discussion. Chamber leaders say the goal is to ensure any solutions are shaped directly by those experiencing the challenges firsthand.
“This isn’t about handing down solutions,” Throne noted. “It’s about building a plan with the businesses, not around them.”
In addition to local collaboration, the Chamber is exploring financial relief options through partnerships with organizations such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other resource groups. Potential support could include bridge grants, low-interest loans, and direct assistance to help businesses manage expenses and retain employees during the construction period.
The Chamber is also preparing a community-wide marketing campaign designed to drive customers back to the corridor and remind residents that businesses remain open and accessible despite the disruptions.
Officials emphasized that while the current focus is on North Bridge Street, the strategy could expand to include other areas of Chillicothe impacted by construction, including High Street.
More details about the relief plan are expected to be released in the coming days. In the meantime, business owners interested in participating in planning discussions are encouraged to contact the Chamber directly.
