COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – Just one month into the ramp closures, businesses in parts of Covington are already seeing the impact. Longtime restaurant Lisse Steakhuis abruptly closed on Friday, citing a decline in traffic caused by the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. But in Mainstrasse it’s business as usual, despite the closure of Lisse, which has people thinking about what’s to come.

The impact varies from business to business. Some, including Goodfellas, have seen sales decline. Others, like Julie’s Consignment, say they’re doing well. At Kung Brew, managers say they’re even seeing new customers because of the ramp changes. Around the corner at Rosie’s Tavern, Dianne Gamble says things are slowing down.

“But it’s also summer,” said Gamble. Gamble believes the slowdown is inevitable.

“Because it’s so hard to get across the bridge. All you got is Roebling, Clay, and Bailey,” said Gamble. “I feel we’re an island of Covington.”After 28 years in business, she has no plans to close but says she’ll have to adjust her budget. Gamble worries more about newer businesses.

“We know there’s going to be discomfort,” said Pat Frew, executive director of Covington’s Business Council.

Frew doesn’t believe the inconvenience will deter people who love what Covington has to offer. He says businesses closer to the riverfront rely heavily on customers from downtown Cincinnati, and so far, members haven’t noticed much of a difference.

Local 12 asked Frew whether he’s concerned about losing additional businesses following Lisse’s closure.

“There are always a variety of reasons that aren’t stated when restaurants close,” Frew said. “It’s easy to blame it on the bridge being remodeled and changed, but there could be a lot of other factors.” Frew believes the completed Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will ultimately bring even more traffic to Covington.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded $750,000 to help support Covington during the Brent Spence and Fourth Street bridge projects. Part of that funding will be used to promote businesses affected by the construction, and Frew says more details about the campaign will be announced soon.