ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - An Alexandria business owner said afternoon traffic caused by construction near Brame Middle School is making it hard for customers to get in and out of nearby businesses, and it’s hurting sales.

Tinsley Ducote, owner of Mary’s Heart Catholic Gift Store, said the traffic near her shop on Gus Kaplan Drive comes to a complete stop every afternoon, especially between 2:30 P.M. and 3:30 p.m. Cars line up bumper-to-bumper for school pickup, blocking parking lot entrances and causing delays.

“It’s not flowing. They’re at a standstill,” Ducote said. “It’s a line of cars waiting to pick up their kids, just like any other school, but this is a business district. Small businesses are trying to survive here.”

She said the issue started in the first week of school and has

See Full Page