FAIRBANKS -- The realignment of Fairbanks downtown streets north of the Chena River is costing nearby businesses some customers.

Construction began in mid-April on a project to align streets with a new river crossing.

Espresso shop manager Kari O'Rear tells the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner her baristas are seeing fewer customers since only northbound drivers can now reach the business. She says the business is closing an hour earlier at night.

A spokesman for Denali State Bank says lobby traffic has been affected at the Illinois Street branch.

Chief financial officer Randy Weaver says the company will review numbers at each branch to determine if customers are being discouraged from reaching one branch or the bank as in general.