If you’re a business owner in Elizabethtown, PA, the thought of tearing up your parking lot probably makes your stomach turn. Whether you’re near the bustling Market Street strip or tucked beside Conewago Creek, parking access is vital for both foot traffic and deliveries.
New parking lot construction doesn’t have to drive away your customers or derail operations. With the right approach, you can keep your business running smoothly—even while crews are laying down fresh asphalt.
Let’s walk through smart, effective strategies to keep disruption to a minimum during a parking lot rebuild in Elizabethtown.
Key Takeaways
- People near Elizabethtown College or Center Square should schedule paving during off-peak hours to avoid losing business.
- Dividing the lot into zones helps businesses on South Market Street stay open while construction happens in phases.
- Letting customers know what’s going on through signs, emails, and social posts keeps them coming back during construction.
- Clear walkways and big signs help people find your entrance even when usual paths are blocked or rerouted.
- Shops on Cloverleaf Road or Brown Street benefit from teaming up with neighbors and offering small promos to stay busy.
Plan Construction Around Peak Business Hours
Timing is crucial, especially along High Street, where lunch crowds are consistent, or in commercial areas near Elizabethtown College, which sees heavy foot traffic from students and faculty.
To minimize disruption, coordinate with your contractor to schedule a new construction installation during off-peak hours, such as early mornings, evenings, or weekends. This ensures that construction activity doesn’t interfere with daily business or campus routines.
For example, if you’re a café near Center Square that sees most customers between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., consider nighttime work to avoid interference.
Your contractor should be flexible and responsive to your hours of operation, not the other way around.
Divide the Lot into Work Zones
Rather than tearing up the entire parking area at once, consider a phased approach.
Divide the lot into sections so that part of it remains open for use at all times. This technique works particularly well for multi-tenant properties along South Market Street or in retail complexes off Route 283.
Clear signage and temporary barriers can guide drivers safely while allowing you to stay open for business. Phased work also reduces stress on employees who still need access to parking during shifts.
Communicate Early and Often with Customers
Businesses along North Hanover Street know that a little disruption can lead to a lot of confusion if customers aren’t kept in the loop.
Use every channel available—social media, email lists, signage at your storefront—to let people know when and how construction will happen. Set expectations about where to park, how long sections will be closed, and any alternate entrances.
When customers feel informed, they’re much more likely to stay loyal during the construction process.
Use Temporary Signage and Wayfinding
During a rebuild, your usual traffic flow might look like a maze. This is where professional signage pays off. Make sure there are large, easy-to-read signs directing customers where to go.
Businesses near the Elizabethtown Train Station or along South Poplar Street can get creative with sidewalk signs, sandwich boards, or even chalk directions if pedestrian traffic is heavy.
Consider placing signs at key intersections to catch drivers early, especially if detours are involved.
Maintain Clear Access to Entrances
Even if parking is limited, maintaining a safe and visible path to your front door is essential. In downtown Elizabethtown or near East High Elementary, foot traffic matters—so think about ramps, temporary walkways, or coned-off paths.
If possible, prioritize asphalt paving closest to the entrance early in the schedule, so foot access remains consistent.
Coordinate with contractors to ensure that ADA-compliant access is never blocked.
Coordinate with Neighboring Businesses
If you’re in a shopping center or strip mall, chances are your construction will impact others nearby. Property owners along Cloverleaf Road or in commercial corridors near Masonic Village should organize with neighboring businesses to create a unified game plan.
This could include shared parking arrangements, cross-promotions, or even group messaging to customers. A united front makes the disruption seem less chaotic and more manageable.
Offer Incentives or Promotions During Construction
At PSI Paving, we know that pavement maintenance can occasionally cause short-term disruption—but it doesn’t have to hurt your business.
In fact, many local spots along Brown Street have kept customers coming through the door by offering “construction specials” or small discounts during active work.
If you run a service-based business, we suggest offering loyalty perks or time-sensitive deals while we perform maintenance.
It’s a great way to show your customers that you care about their experience while also investing in long-term curb appeal and safety.
Leverage Local Media and Community Channels
Elizabethtown has a tight-knit community vibe, with residents plugged into local Facebook groups, the Elizabethtown Advocate, and township newsletters.
These platforms are great for spreading the word about construction and keeping customers engaged. Announce progress milestones, post before-and-after photos, or even share timelapse videos of the build.
These efforts not only inform, but also make customers feel involved in your improvement journey.
Keep Emergency Access Clear at All Times
Especially in areas close to Elizabethtown Area High School or medical facilities like Penn State Health, emergency access is non-negotiable.
Work closely with contractors to ensure fire lanes and ambulance routes are never obstructed. This includes coordinating with local authorities on any temporary closures or detours.
A few minutes of planning can make all the difference in maintaining compliance and safety.
Be Prepared for Weather Delays and Flexibility
In Lancaster County, weather can change quickly—rain in spring and snow flurries well into April are not uncommon. This unpredictability means your construction schedule should be flexible. Build in buffer days and have contingency plans for weather delays.
For instance, if you’re based closer to the Susquehanna River basin, where fog and moisture are common, drying time for asphalt may be longer than expected. A good contractor will factor this into the timeline from the start.
Let’s Keep Your Business Moving—Even While Paving
Your parking lot may be under construction, but your business doesn’t have to grind to a halt.
At RDS Paving & Sealcoating, we’ve helped businesses across Elizabethtown—from Main Street retailers to industrial sites near Conoy Creek—stay open and accessible while we deliver high-quality paving results.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or request a free quote. Let’s get your new lot done—without disrupting your business.
