Clovis commuters will have to deal with construction at busy intersection

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Drivers in Clovis traveling through the Shepherd and Fowler intersection will need to find a new route for the next few weeks. A construction project to install a stop light started up on Tuesday.

Employees at the Meat Market went about their day bagging items at the Shepherd and Fowler location.

"It's a very busy intersection," said Goldie Marty, Meat Market employee.

But the intersection could soon become harder to get through

"We're installing a signal at the Fowler and Shepherd intersection, and doing a lot of transition work for the school streets on all four legs," said Thad Avery, Clovis Planning and Development.

The store received a letter notifying them of the construction a few weeks ago. They said while they don't expect less business, they do say it's going to be harder for residents to stop by.

"It's going to be an inconvenience to the customers. They're going to have to drive around to get back," said Marty.

The $1.1 million construction project will close off the west leg of Shepherd through the entire process. In two weeks, the entire intersection will be closed briefly.

"We're trying to alleviate issues with traffic going through there. We're working with the county on detours," said Avery.

Drivers who frequent the area said, while they know it will be inconvenient, they agree it's needed.

"Around 5 o' clock and 8 o' clock, it gets really congested. I think a stop light is a good idea," said Rick Beddall, resident.

As for Marty-- she plans to come in a little earlier to give shoppers a heads up.

"Plan on coming in through a different direction."

The construction is expected to be finished before the Clovis Unified School year starts in September.

The stop light, however, will not start operating until later in the year.

The department also said drivers will be notified of the two-week closure of the intersection in advance.