Businesses rejoice as city re-opens Messer Airport Highway

By Tristan Ruppert

Published: May 22, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

Businesses alongside the Messer Airport Highway have reason to celebrate as the city of Birmingham announces the re-opening of the popular thoroughfare, following completion of a temporary solution to an ongoing flooding issue on the road.

Relief For Business Owners

Owners of businesses operating alongside the highway expressed relief and gratitude towards the city for their efforts. An example coming in the form of George Sissa, owner of the popular Sarris Restaurant, located on the once flooded path. “It will keep me from going into bankruptcy,” exclaimed Sissa, expressing the importance of the highways re-openment to his business operations.

The highway has been closed off for a period of nine and a half months, during which there had been a significant fall in customer inflow to businesses, as Sissa reports a 70% drop, jeopardizing not only the businesses but also the livelihoods and jobs of the many employees.

The experience of seeing the road bustling with cars again was “a blessing” to the restaurant owner, who expressed sincere gratitude for the resolution of the flooding issue, albeit temporary. Sissa found reassurance in the city’s demonstration of concern and action, a sentiment that many other business owners on the path share.

A Temporary Fix

The city’s Director of Communications, Rick Journey highlighted, however, that the fix is temporary and a more permanent solution will be pursued in the coming years to resolve the underground leak causing the flooding. “That is going to be a multi-year, multi-owner project that we are involved with. So, it is going to take a while before the long term plan is complete on that,” stated Journey.

This temporary solution came at a cost of $65,000 to the city, a figure perceived to be well spent within the benefits it brings to local businesses and residents.

Looking Forward

As the sighs of relief brushed across the community, it also brought forth renewed hopes for thriving businesses in the city. Birmingham, with its strong bond of community, and the commitment shown by city officials, evokes a promising picture for the future. It is the start of an uphill battle against the natural menace, and though the city seems prepared, only time will give a true testament to their resistance.