Business dropping after bridge move

SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) -- The shutdown of an old, unsafe bridge could be leading to several nearby businesses also shutting down -- the victims of a significant Somerset thoroughfare being rerouted.

Cars are now rare on Brightman Street, which used to be teeming with them from the traffic flowing past courtesy of the Brightman Street Bridge. When the more-than-one-hundred-years-old bridge was closed -- in favor of the $200 million Veterans Memorial Highway -- Brightman Street started veering toward becoming a ghost town.

Kearny's Karate Instructor Jennifer Pavao said her business is losing money since the new highway took over. "We had a prime location, tons of traffic all day long, people coming in and asking about classes," Pavao said. "They drove by and saw our sign."

Neighboring proprietors say some businesses have already closed or relocated -- a bank, a gas station, a photo developing store. Those departures helped erode traffic, and took employees with them who might bring in ancillary cash.

"All the businesses here attempted to put up signs on Route 6 after the Home Depot," said Allen Monte, a co-owner of the Gridiron Sports Bar. "Of course, the state just takes them away," because unapproved advertisements along state roadways are prohibited.

"Both the state and the town of Somerset have neglected businesses in this area."

Monte and his fellow business owners are being forced to survive on loyal customers making the trek off the newly-beaten path. They, too, could dwindle soon.

The new bridge has received generally positive reviews overall, according to MassHighway officials. As for the old Brightman Street Bridge, the plan is to turn it into a walkway or fishing bridge, but those possibilities are still far away from becoming a reality.