At Applegates on Brentwood Boulevard, they've seen an increase in breakfast business from commuter who are already avoiding Highway 40. Some of the commuters taking I-44, then going north on Brentwood to get to offices in Clayton and stopping in at Applegates to get a bite to eat. The Macaroni Grill, on the other hand, has seen a decline in customers. Apparently the construction work nearby has already scaring some diners away.

When you think of the impact of closing the highway, you think of the impact on commuters and loss of customers for some businesses near the highway. But, when shoppers avoid one mall, they may choose to spend their money at another. Expect stores in other areas of the metro to see an increase in business as some choose to avoid the Galleria or shops in Brentwood. A reduction in sales at stores in those locations will mean less sales tax revenue to run local governments. The city halls in Brentwood, Clayton, Richmond Heights and Maplewood are predicting declines in sales tax revenues over the next two years. Some steps are being made to reduce spending, but they won't impact any basic services. It's hard to predict the fallout when the barricades go up on January 2nd. Cities near it are operating by that motto: hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.