State Rep. Doyle Heffley said that he and a representative from state Sen. John Yudichak’s office met with business owners along the 443 corridor, the project engineer, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation earlier this year in Allentown.

“We had a great discussion with the business owners and PennDOT,” Heffley said. “Obviously, I share the concerns; we want the businesses along the 443 corridor to grow and survive.”

Heffley said that while he believes the project will ultimately serve the businesses well, it’s essential that they remain the backbone of the corridor.

“As the project moves forward and is completed, I think it is going to increase traffic and help the businesses along 443; I think it’s a benefit in that regard,” he said. “However, at the same time, we want to make sure the businesses that are there and established are continued to be protected.”

Heffley stressed the importance of those businesses being protected throughout the entire course of the project.

“That is a priority of our office and PennDOT to make sure that those businesses that are there and existing are going to be able to stay open during the project, and be vibrant businesses in the community,” he said. “This is going to be a huge project for Carbon County and the 443 corridor.”

Heffley said residents are concerned about safety of the corridor.

“But, at the same time, we need to ensure that those businesses are going to stay in place and be successful,” he said. “I would just encourage people in the community to come out and support these local businesses.”