Several LaVergne businesses received an early Christmas present last week when construction crews opened a finished section of the Waldron Road expansion project.

About 15 business and retail locations were relieved to see the orange barrels removed as the construction shifted to a more industrial area. Some businesses said their sales had been down by as much as 50 to 60 percent due to the construction project. Business is picking up again now that easier access is available.

“The traffic has been much faster through the area and we have seen a slight increase in business,” said Jeremy Sargent, manager of Wine and Spirits Unlimited. “Please help give the businesses of Waldron Rd. a fighting chance this holiday season and come visit us.”

Mayor Senna Mosley also encouraged residents to shop local. “We have a lot of really great business owners who depend on support from the local community. La Vergne offers a variety of great services and products that would be perfect stocking stuffers or presents under the tree. I hope that our residents make an effort to shop at all local businesses, but especially those on Waldron Road that have suffered both through this recession and the road construction project.

“We want to show potential businesses that we support our retailers,” said Mosley. “Our success as a town is tied to the success of these businesses.”

As the economy begins its recovery, La Vergne anticipates a jump in retail growth because there are an estimated 85,000 people in a five-mile radius and 1.3 million in a 30-mile radius. With several prime real estate spots for new business available, business and industry ranging from food and clothing to storage facilities are expected to locate in the area.