Bridge the Gap is a community campaign led by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce that supports local businesses along Chillicothe’s construction-affected corridors. While road work continues, every one of these businesses is still here and still open, and this campaign exists to make sure the community knows it, can find them, and keeps showing up for them.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn to get the latest information about new businesses and much more. Add your voice by using our #BridgeTheGap and tagging our socials on your posts!

Would you like to get regular information about Bridge the Gap from the Chamber? Click here to be added to our mailing list.

Want to suggest an addition or change to this page? Email Mike Throne at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

🛍️ For Consumers & Shoppers

**COMING SOON** “Open for Business” Business Directory — A filterable list of all businesses actively open during construction, with hours, parking tips, and any special offers.

**NOW LIVE** Deals & Incentives Hub — A rotating section featuring discounts, promotions, and “we appreciate your patience” specials offered exclusively by local businesses during the construction period.

**COMING SOON** “Why It’s Worth the Trip” Stories — Short features spotlighting what makes visiting local businesses special, building emotional connection and loyalty.

Construction Timeline & Updates — Updated: July 3, 2026

  • The Bridge Street project continues to be on schedule. Here’s the most recent update from ODOT District 9.
  • All other projects related to the Appalachian Community Grant project downtown (park, armory, and Yoctangee Parkway) are on schedule. Here’s the most recent video showing all the progress made in June.

Event Calendar — Highlighting any special events, pop-ups, or activations happening in or near the construction zone.

🏢 For Local Businesses

“Add Your Business” Submission Form — A simple form for businesses to submit their hours, access notes, promotions, and contact info for the Bridge the Gap directory.

Free Marketing Resources — Downloadable social media graphics, window clings, signage templates, and email copy that businesses can use to communicate their open status.

Access to Chamber Programs & Resources — Direct links to the Small Business Development Center, SOERN workforce tools, Ross County Safety Council, and other Chamber programs that may help businesses navigate this period.

Not yet a Chamber investor? You’re always welcome here. Reach out to us using this form to learn how membership can help your business grow alongside our community.

🚗 For Drivers & Commuters

Interactive Detour Map — An embedded, up-to-date map showing recommended alternate routes, lane closures, and access points.

Traffic Update Feed from Ohgo.gov — A live section with current road conditions, closures, and estimated delays.

**UPDATED** Official Bridge Street Construction Page — A direct link to the ODOT construction project page for those wanting deeper technical information.

Updates on other ODOT Construction Projects throughout Ross County can be found here.

👷 For Employees

Shared Work Ohio – For workers facing reduced hours or other job challenges, the state’s Shared Work program can help businesses manage their workforce without having to lay off workers.

Public Transit & Alternative Transportation Info — Information on Chillicothe Transit bus routes, including changes to routes in construction-impacted areas.

Flexible Work & Scheduling Resources — Employers may consider flexible scheduling and work options, as detailed here. If you are interested in job retraining, we’ve compiled a list of options available in Ohio.

Safety Tips for Navigating Construction Zones — Pedestrian and cyclist safety reminders, especially for employees who walk or bike to work.

Job Listings — If you are looking for work, check out our job listings.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

General

Bridge the Gap is a community campaign, led by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, supporting the local businesses along Chillicothe’s construction-affected corridors. While road work continues, every one of these businesses is still here and still open, and this campaign exists to make sure the community knows it, can find them, and keeps showing up for them.

Ongoing construction has changed how people get to some of their favorite local businesses. When routes change, habits change, and that hits small businesses hard. Bridge the Gap is here to keep those businesses visible, accessible, and busy until the work is done.

For Consumers & Shoppers

Yes, corridor businesses are open and operating their normal hours unless they say otherwise. Construction outside doesn’t mean closed inside. Storefronts are active, staff are working, and your favorites are waiting for you.

No, this is the most common myth we hear. There may be occasional temporary closures as the project advances, but you can still reach businesses in Shawnee Square and south of Walmart and Kohl’s. You can still get downtown from Route 104. Routes may look a little different, but access is open. Check our Mythbusters posts on social media for current route guides.

The single most powerful thing you can do is show up. Beyond that:

  • Shop and dine in the corridors and every visit counts right now.
  • Use #BridgeTheGap when you post about a corridor business.
  • Share a photo of your visit on social media.
  • Tag a friend and tell them their favorite spot is still open.
  • Leave a review when you’ve had a great experience at a corridor business. A Google or Yelp review will help boost their ratings on those platforms.

For Drivers & Commuters

We share official ODOT and city construction updates every week on our Facebook page with context on what it means for getting to local businesses. Questions regarding project specifics can be directed to ODOT District 9’s Mikaela Bruning at 740-773-8834. The ODOT District 9 Facebook page gives regular updates on ALL Ross County and districtwide construction projects.

Yes! While some routes may look different, businesses remain accessible. Check out this Interactive Detour Map — An embedded, up-to-date map showing recommended alternate routes, lane closures, and access points.

For Local Businesses

We’d love to have you. Start here:

  1. Join the monthly Business Roundtable — campaign updates, event planning, resource navigation, and a chance to tell us what you need.
  2. Use the operational toolkit — free social media templates, a low-cost visibility checklist, marketing best practices, a directions guide for your customers, and a resource navigation sheet. Just click here to access.
  3. Reach out to the Chamber – we’ll get you on the schedule for a Business Spotlight feature. Just email Bobbi Kellough at bkellough@chillicotheohio.com and we’ll add you to the list.

Several programs can help businesses and employees through the construction period:

Details on all of these are in the toolkit, or contact us at 740-702-2722 and we’ll help you navigate them.

For Employees

You’re not alone, and there are resources specifically designed for this situation. If your employer has reduced your hours, Ohio’s SharedWork program allows you to collect partial unemployment benefits while staying on the job. If you need broader support, 2-1-1 is a free referral service that can connect you with local resources for housing, food, utilities, and more. And if you’re considering a change, check out our list of retraining options available in Ohio.

Yes, visit our local job listings page to see current openings posted by Chamber member businesses throughout Chillicothe and Ross County.