Road construction at Gloucester Point has caused some lengthy traffic delays recently and is negatively affecting some businesses and residents.

Daytime travel delays on Route 17 are anticipated on weekdays through next Friday, May 20, said Kelly Hannon, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Transportation. The construction work necessitates State Police being assigned to direct traffic through key intersections, she said.

"It’s affecting us big time," said Susan Coates, a clerk at N Out convenience store at Gloucester Point. It’s difficult for motorists to get to the store, she said, and with the placement of a permanent divider on Route 17 it will be even more difficult for customers to get there.

Hannon said work crews began work in the southbound lanes last week, then were working in southbound and northbound lanes this week. Next week, more work is planned for the northbound lanes.

Crews are milling and paving both directions of Route 17 to ins...