MISSOULA, Mont. -- Construction continues to clog Missoula's downtown and some businesses want to know why more isn't being done to finish the project sooner.

The project goes from Broadway, north to Circle Square. It is turning four lanes into two and adding a center turn lane. It will also have two dedicated bike lanes to keep cyclists off the streets.

But the change has some people heading to the mall or other shopping centers because of the orange cones.

Downtown Missoula business owners can't wait for the construction to be finished.

Tim France, owner of Worden's says "We're definitely glad to be at the point where we're at the end of it. Now we can sit back and reap the benefits and I don't think it's going be a magic wand, but I do think it's going to enhance anyone's chances of growing their business down here."

France knows this will make the area even more attractive. Many of his customers work downtown. He knows that he can always count on his lunches to help keep him in the black.

But it's a different story for other businesses. Some report fewer people walking through their doors.

Matty Hancock manages the Red Rooster downtown. He doesn't know exact numbers, but knows business is down. He says "It's definitely a slower summer. We're definitely not seeing the traffic we're used to seeing. Tourism is a big part of our business during the summer and that's definitely something that's slowed down."

Some wanted to know why construction crews weren't working nights and weekends to get finished sooner or wait until later in the year. After all, the summer tourism season is a big boost to bottom lines.

Hancock adds, "I do think it would've been beneficial for us and other downtown businesses for it to be done at night but like I said it has to be done at some point."

Steve King is the city's Public Works Director. He says the project wouldn't have made budget if crews had to pay overtime.

King adds, "It's not practical to pay for the work at night. The community's not really set up as far as contractors, suppliers to deliver cement at midnight. The suppliers aren't able to do that without paying a significant premium."

The Federal government handed over $1 million to Missoula for the project, but it had to start before the summer finished.

"This is a durable project for the long term benefit of the downtown. It really is intended to be a showcase street for downtown Missoula."

But that's little consolation to any business that might go under because of the slowdown, or to workers who might get laid off because of the slowdown. Crews are expected to start paving Thursday and be finished paving by Monday.