After months of intermittent construction and traffic detours, a full closure of Sixth Street in Glenwood Springs is set to begin Monday — a move that will fast-track long-awaited improvements to the corridor but could pressure some struggling small businesses.

The closure will block through-traffic on Sixth Street from Maple Street through Pine Street for 10 days. Then, starting May 27, the closure will extend west to the roundabout and remain in effect through June 13. The detour is part of the city’s broader effort to transform what was once a highway thoroughfare into a vibrant downtown destination with wide sidewalks, fresh landscaping and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Construction originally began in August 2024 but paused over the holiday season out of consideration for the Hotel Colorado Tree Lighting Ceremony and the holiday season. Work resumed, weather permitting, in mid-January. Now, city and Downtown Development Authority officials say a concentrated, full closure is the best way to get the job done faster — and give businesses a fighting chance at salvaging the summer season.

“We’ll be in and out in a few weeks instead of lingering through November,” said Glenwood Springs Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck. “This timeline puts us back on track and gives local businesses back their street well before peak tourist season.”

While the road will be closed to vehicle traffic, pedestrian access will remain open across Pine Street in front of the Hotel Colorado. Deliveries and employee access will continue through nearby alleys and limited access points east of Maple Street.

To help ease the burden, the city is offering free rides to and from Sixth Street on Ride Glenwood’s On-Demand service during the closure. The DDA has also funded marketing campaigns, signage, and grants for live entertainment to keep foot traffic flowing.

Still, the short-term impact is hitting some of the city’s longest-standing businesses hard.

Doug Bernes, owner of Springs Liquors — Glenwood’s oldest liquor store, open since 1954 — said he’s cut staff and taken on extra shifts himself just to keep the lights on.

“Sales are down about 30% on average. That’s basically all my gross profit,” Bernes said. “I had three employees. Now it’s just me and one other person. I’m not really getting paid — I’m just trying to survive.”

Bernes said he appreciates the city’s effort to speed up the timeline but worries that other shops won’t make it through.

“It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better,” he said. “I think the project will help in the long run — the street’s going to look great, and hopefully business improves. But some of us might not be here to see it.”

Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Jillian Sutherland said she understands the pressure businesses are facing and emphasized that the final product will be worth it.

“We are transforming what used to be Highway 82 into a walkable, welcoming commercial district,” Sutherland said. “We’re building something that will serve locals and visitors for decades.”

The project includes diagonal and parallel parking, upgraded lighting, and more inviting public spaces. While on-street parking configurations have changed, Sutherland said the city has worked with private property owners to offset any loss and ensure there is no significant net reduction in customer parking.

The street is expected to fully reopen to traffic and on-street parking by June 13, while landscaping and final details will carry into the fall as construction on the adjacent North Landing park gets underway. Work on the park is anticipated to continue through November.

“We know it’s been tough,” Starbuck said. “But we’re asking the community to hang in there a little longer — and keep showing up for our local businesses. They’re the heart of this corridor, and they need us now more than ever.”