Don’t Let the US-1 Bridge Closure Derail Your Local Business – Resources & Strategies for Success

Alan Boyd provides invaluable guidance to local business owners. As part of his commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the best practices and tips, he continues to offer a series of helpful insights. Stay informed and receive regular updates by subscribing to Alan’s Newsletter, ensuring you never miss out on these valuable resources.

(Aerial Photo of the US-1 Bridge courtesy: Sean Paul Photo IG | FB)

The US-1 Bridge closure’s potential impact is a prevalent concern among many business owners. The possibility of declining sales and the loss of customers can be daunting.

Your goal is to keep your customers coming back and find new ones during construction so your sales stay consistent.

Here are some of my top tips to help you over the next few weeks and months until we all get an accurate read on the actual severity of traffic congestion and delays.

Alan’s Top Tips:

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide formal advisory or substitute professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. The content is based on general information and may not apply to your specific situation. Please consult a qualified professional for advice on your individual circumstances. We do not assume any liability for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content.

Shift your mindset.

• The bridge closure is happening. Shift your mindset from why is this happening, why didn’t they do it twenty years ago, etc. to where is the opportunity right now?

Keep your staff lean.

• If you expect a significant decrease in customers once the bridge closure begins, you may need to consider keeping a lean staff or reducing hours.

Secure a good line of credit.

• It’s important to get a line of credit during a good time when sales are up. That way you’ll have it if there’s an emergency.

You may need to rework your budget.

• You may need to allocate more money for signage and marketing during construction.
• Leverage cost-effective social media, phone, and email to stay in touch with customers/clients/patients.

Strengthen your online presence.

• Evaluate and strengthen your website, content, reviews, search rankings, and social profiles.
• To get more years out of your existing website (instead of paying for a new one), get on a professional management plan.

Use additional roadside signage.

• Creative use of signage (as allowed by municipalities) can help cut through distractions and bring attention to your business.

Monitor the situation closely.

• Businesses that continually identify and take action on new opportunities will lead.

More Resources:

• Tequesta Business Marketing Guide
• Inspirational relevant client success story

US-1 Bridge Closure Traffic Congestion

It’s hard to predict with certainty the extent of the traffic congestion and how many people will avoid certain areas altogether until after the closure, but we can make some reasonable assumptions.

Likely Traffic Bottlenecks:

• The corridor along Alt-A1A from Indiantown road to US-1 will be THE gauntlet.
• Intersection of Center Street and Old Dixie/Alt-A1A
• Intersection of Riverside and Alt-A1A
• West of the Indiantown bridge emphasis on trains, bridge openings, and rush hour.
• East of the Indiantown bridge emphasis on trains, bridge openings, and rush hour.

Note: The Indiantown Road Bridge (SR-706) opens on the hour & half hour. I haven’t found any reliable information on train schedules. If you have info email me at alan@boydmarketing.com so I can update this resource.

US-1 Bridge Closure Business Zones

It’s a relatively safe assumption that these are the business zones that will be most heavily impacted by the US-1 bridge closure.

The reasoning behind labeling the zones individually is that I believe each zone will be affected differently, with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

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Business Alliance

We’ve organized a private business alliance currently comprised of 44 Northern Palm Beach County business leaders (the #1 top decision-makers within their respective organizations) in regard to the impact the US-1 Bridge closure will have. 

An organized private-sector business alliance offers numerous benefits including streamlined communication and cooperation.

Additionally, the alliance can serve as a liaison between the private sector and the project group. This level of organization and collective influence can facilitate issue resolution via voting among different parties.

Please email alan@boydmarketing.com for more information about and/or access to the Private Business Alliance Group.

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Emergency Travel

This one isn’t specifically business related but it’s important to be aware of.

Emergency travel times from Jupiter Island & Tequesta to Jupiter Medical Center may be SEVERLY impacted.

The next closest Hospital with emergency room services to the north is Martin North Hospital in Stuart. Directions from Tequesta to Martin North Hospital show a drive time of 36 minutes.

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Disclaimer: Please note that neither myself, my company, nor this website is affiliated with or specifically endorsed by the Town of Jupiter, the Village of Tequesta, or the Florida Department of Transportation in any way.