Bakersfield Shop Owners Voice Frustration Over Ongoing Street Construction on 18th and 19th

May 20, 2026 - 06:36

If you have walked down 18th or 19th Street in Bakersfield lately, you have likely hit a few obstacles. Literally. Construction crews have been tearing up pavement, blocking sidewalks, and rerouting traffic for months, and local business owners say the disruption is hurting their bottom line.

Several shopkeepers along these two corridors told reporters that foot traffic has dropped sharply since the work began. One cafe owner noted that regular customers now avoid the area because parking spots are blocked and the noise makes outdoor seating unbearable. Another boutique manager said deliveries have been delayed, and some suppliers refuse to navigate the detours.

The project aims to replace aging water lines and repave the streets, but the timeline keeps stretching. What was supposed to be a few weeks of inconvenience has turned into months of dust, jackhammers, and orange cones. Business owners say they received little warning about the extended closures and no clear end date.

Some have tried to adapt by posting signs directing customers to side entrances or offering discounts for those who brave the construction zone. But many feel the city has not done enough to support them during this period. They want better communication and perhaps some form of financial relief for lost revenue.

For now, the work continues. And so does the wait for a return to normal.