Downtown Niles businesses are reporting that the Main Street Bridge replacement project is not affecting their business negatively.

If anything, business is a little bit better when compared to past years at the time between now and when the project started in the late fall.

“For me, business is better, but we are still a new growing company,” said Daysha Amster, owner of Olfactory Hue Bistro restaurant. “Our numbers are way up from last year and I think that has to do with the temperature. This winter isn’t as bad as it was last year at this time.”

Bryan Williams, owner of Trailhead Mercantile, a hunting and fishing outfitter, said he never expected that the bridge replacement project would affect his shop in the first place.

“I thought it was weird that anybody made a big deal out of that. It’s not going to affect somebody driving a block and a half out of their way if they want to come downtown.”

Williams said business hasn’t changed at Trailhead Mercantile.

“I’ve been here for five years now so I’ve got enough people that know I’m here so I’m not affected by people driving by and saying, ‘Let’s stop and look at that,’” Williams said. “I have a pretty good, solid, loyal, regular customer base. I’m happy to say they will drive a block and a half away.”

Christine Hoffman, owner of Niles Styles clothing store, is also reporting that the bridge project hasn’t changed a thing for her businesswise.

“I’ve had some really good days despite the month of January. When the construction first went on, I was away on vacation, but when I came back I was busy,” Hoffman said. “I would say it is about the same, if not a little bit better, but I have been here six years now. People know I am here.”

Tyanna Weller, who runs the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, said it seems like the downtown is just as busy as in years past.

“The traffic isn’t as bad through town and I think that makes it nicer for people coming to town to do business and to eat,” she said. “They can find parking spaces and not feel like they are on a speedway trying to park.”

The project to replace the bridge is expected to be completed by November, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.