"I think growth on the south side is a great idea. Its been a long time since we've seen new businesses come in to the south end of Mishawaka," says Mishawaka resident, Mark Melnick.
"They're going to widen this out here and that will benefit people getting around and more businesses to come in. It's a good thing to do I think," says resident Jim Lang.
Mishawaka residents are excited to see business grow in the south side of town, something Mayor Dave Wood says is happening soon. "We've seen some recent renewed interest in development on the south side."
When you think Mishawaka, you probably think Grape Road and the mall, but Wood says that's about to change.
"It's a great location and it's very easy to get to and in and out of. When you think about the US bypass, you have a quick connection really to Elkhart, to the surrounding areas."
A McDonald's is coming to this corner here and Wood says they need to accommodate the traffic it will bring.
"This year we're going to make substantial improvements to traffic safety, go to five lanes with turn lanes."
He wants a 5 lane Bremen Highway Corridor from the city limits on the north side, to the south side, making traveling safe and efficient. North side construction's almost done, so it's time to start on the south and Meijer Store Director Rick Zeeff says he's ready.
"Hopefully McDonald's coming in will open the floodgates and we'll have all kinds of business down here," says Zeeff.
Business residents say they'll benefit from.
"I think the convenience far out weighs any disruptions that are made during initial construction, once it's over with you'll have all the services here. Traffic brings growth in areas," says Melnick.
