Tulsa businesses at Pine and Mingo suffer major losses from roadwork
Roadwork near Pine Street and Mingo Road in Tulsa has cut local business sales by up to 80 percent, leading to worker layoffs and potential shop closures.
Tulsa store operator Timothy Kok faces steep revenue drops as street construction blocks access near Pine Street and Mingo Road. Local shop owners report sales cuts between 70 and 80 percent, leading to worker layoffs and possible closures.
Kok runs Batman’s Good Food and Convenience Store. He said sales initially fell 70 percent and now sit down 75 percent. He had to lay off a crew member to cover basic costs.
Other nearby business owners report similar sharp declines in customer visits. Nancy Ghazal of Hero’s Subs and Burgers said business is down at least 75 percent. Nichole Danley of Christy’s Good Food reported an 80 percent drop.
Christy’s owner Tony Alkhourr cut his staffing from six employees to two. He is now considering closing the restaurant. Alkhourr asked how he will pay for electricity, gas, DIRECTV, city services, and trash.
Two separate construction projects currently limit traffic flow through the Tulsa intersection. Drivers cannot enter from the state highway or from Highway 169, according to Kok. Alkhourr said owners need to meet directly with project decision-makers.
Area residents Martin and his wife, Shawna, placed a large sign near the corner to help. Martin has called a city councilor and an agency engineer. Those calls have not received a return answer.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation installed business access signs and reopened two-way traffic in front of the shops. ODOT also reopened the left turn from northbound Mingo Road to westbound Pine Street. Business owners stated these changes have not provided meaningful relief.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation manages state highway construction and traffic control. Street projects often involve coordinated work zones alongside municipal utility or bridge improvements. Agencies evaluate roadway widths to balance public business access with motorist safety.
A separate City of Tulsa bridge project east of Mingo Road requires a full closure with a 3.5-mile detour. ODOT stated roadway widths beyond the intersection prevent opening additional lanes safely.
