Tulsa Business Owners Seek Help Over Construction

Local merchants report significant sales drops due to ongoing road construction near Pine and Mingo.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Tulsa Business Owners Seek Help Over Construction

Live Poll

Should your city government offer financial aid to small businesses struggling due to local road construction?

Business owners in Tulsa recently appeared before the city council to address severe financial losses caused by nearby road construction. Merchants report that restricted access and traffic changes have significantly hindered their operations.

Why it matters

Business owners are facing extreme financial strain and reduced customer access, prompting them to formally request city and state intervention to mitigate the impact of simultaneous construction projects.

Businesses near Pine and Mingo report a 75% sales decline over the past five weeks. Additionally, Batman has sustained $45,000 in lost business since the current traffic configuration began.

The players

Tulsa City Council

This local governing body holds the legislative authority to address city planning and infrastructure concerns raised by constituents.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the state's highway system and associated infrastructure.

Tony Alkhouri

A local business owner who has publicly stated his business faces potential closure due to the ongoing construction impacts.

Batman

A business located near Pine and Mingo that has reported significant financial losses during the current construction period.

The details

Affected business owners have filed open records requests with city and state officials to gain clarity on the projects. While the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has installed access signage and permitted two-way traffic, merchants contend that restrictions from State Highway 11 and Highway 169 continue to impede customer traffic.

Businesses have faced sales declines and traffic issues for the past five weeks.
Tony Alkhouri may close his business by the end of 2026 if conditions do not change.

Market Landscape

The owners are utilizing the Oklahoma Open Records Act to demand transparency regarding the planning of infrastructure projects. This follows a broader trend where small business owners seek legal and administrative accountability when municipal infrastructure projects disrupt local commerce.

Residents should anticipate ongoing traffic congestion near the Pine and Mingo intersection while construction persists. Local shoppers may find access to these businesses more difficult, which could affect availability or convenience during the project timeline.

The takeaway

Business owners facing infrastructure-related hardship often find success through coordinated local advocacy and public record requests. Taking proactive steps to document financial losses can provide necessary leverage when meeting with city officials to negotiate access solutions.