Construction on Elm and Hooper streets in downtown Biddeford is affecting local businesses, causing traffic delays and slowing down business.

The project, which will last approximately six months, has construction workers digging trenches and upgrading gas and water mains, as well as storm drains, on the short stretch of Elm Street (Route 1).

Costing about $4.3 million, the Maine Department of Transportation project is part of the city’s ongoing sewer separation project.

The project began in early April, and has already caused bumper-to-bumper traffic and impacts on local businesses, some shop owners said.

Katie Pinard, owner of Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer, said she is worried that traffic issues may discourage visitors.

“To be honest, the first week was tough when Main Street was gridlocked,” Pinard said. “But I think we’re minimally impacted compared to other businesses.”

The construction may be inconvenient for businesses and visitors, Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said, but it is essential environmental infrastructure.

According to Grohman, the project is helping to separate the city’s sewer overflows and protect the Saco River.

“That being said, I know it’s a challenge for local businesses,” Grohman said. “I’ve been making a point to visit and shop at many of them personally.”

The construction also comes at a time when many local businesses are already struggling with the back-and-forth tariffs imposed by President Trump.

Ron Briggs, co-owner of Wooven in downtown Biddeford, said the high tariffs on Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia are difficult for the business, which sells handmade artisan products from small towns in Asia.

“The makers can’t absorb any of the tariffs,” Briggs said. “They’re poor already.”

Despite concerns from local businesses, the construction project has actually opened the door to future improvements in Biddeford, Grohman said.

The city’s Public Works Department has been quick to respond to concerns, he said, and some traffic improvements, such as a new light at Alfred and Main streets, have made a difference.

“In fact, it’s been so effective that we’re looking at making it permanent,” Grohman said.

Grohman also said that the city is looking at exploring additional ways to support downtown businesses, including the idea of discounted parking for business owners, which would keep storefront parking available for customers.

The construction project is expected to conclude in November.