Dupont Circle shops struggle while city builds new park above busy road

A big construction project in Dupont Circle is causing problems for small businesses. The city is building a park on top of an underpass and adding bike lanes and sidewalks. Officials say it will make the area safer and nicer, but shop owners say they’re losing customers because of the work. One bar owner lost almost half his sales after construction started. He can’t even use rideshare services because barriers block the street. A convenience store owner can’t pay rent because customers can’t park nearby. Some think the barriers make it look like his store is closed.The business group for Dupont Circle asked the city for $2 million to help shops pay rent. They say construction is noisy and disruptive six days a week. The project will take years, but the businesses need help now. Some owners feel the city cares more about the new park than keeping their doors open. Not everyone agrees the project is bad. Once finished, the park and sidewalks could bring more people back. But for now, small businesses are fighting to stay afloat.