Tim Steller’s column: Grant Road businesses fold as construction adds to woes

August 2, 2026 - 04:37

The long-running reconstruction of Grant Road is pushing some Tucson businesses to the breaking point, adding fresh pressure to shops already struggling with street drug activity and the slow summer season. Several storefronts along the corridor have now closed their doors, with owners saying the combination of reduced foot traffic, dust, and difficult access has become too much to bear.

One longtime business owner described the situation as a slow bleed. The road work, which has dragged on for months, has cut off direct routes and forced customers to navigate detours and uneven pavement. For small operations without the cushion of large corporate backing, even a modest drop in sales can be fatal. The summer heat has only made things worse, as fewer people are willing to brave the construction zones to shop.

But the roadwork is not the only culprit. Several merchants point to a persistent problem with drug use and vagrancy in the area, which has scared off customers and made employees feel unsafe. The combination of these issues has created a perfect storm, with some businesses reporting that they have lost more than half of their regular clientele.

City officials have acknowledged the hardship but say the project is necessary for long-term infrastructure improvements. They have promised to work with affected businesses, offering temporary signage and other support. Still, for those who have already closed, the help came too late. The closures are a stark reminder that major public works projects, while ultimately beneficial, can leave a trail of collateral damage in their wake.