By Cassie McClure and Suzanne Michaels
Published in the Las Cruces Bulletin 9/6/19
“One look around and it’s very clear that this is not business as usual,” says Dan Sisbarro of the Sisbarro Dealerships. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) road reconstruction of Valley Drive has landed right outside the Sisbarro Truck Store (900 South Valley Drive), and a heaping pile of dirt blocks the view from the currently open two-lane portion of S. Valley Drive.
Sisbarro Truck Store specializes in pre-owned Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge Ram and GMC trucks. And while drive-by traffic has been slowed by construction, Sisbarro says the dealership is thriving because of repeat and referral truck customers and on-line shoppers from all over southern New Mexico.
“Of course, we miss the Valley Drive customers who drive by the store and pull in to test drive a big truck they saw from the street,” said Sisbarro. “But we know those shoppers will be back when it’s easier to navigate Valley Drive. Until then we encourage truck buyers to shop us on-line and we’ll bring a truck to their home or office to test drive.”
NMDOT representatives have indicated that the current Brown Road construction will be done in the next two weeks and Sisbarro says the recent addition of direct access from the east side of Valley Drive makes it much easier to enter and exit the dealership.
“The Sisbarro Dealerships have seen many changes here in Las Cruces since opening in 1981 and we’ve survived them all,” said Sisbarro. “When this is done, it’s going to be very positive and we’ll be here like we’ve always been.”
Even with NMDOT and its contractor working long hours 5-days per week, some sections of the road reconstruction require more time because of the need to replace critical underground infrastructure like decades-old utility pipes.
“Even though this construction has made what we do much more challenging,” said John Tarro, Truck Store general manager, “that means we’re working twice as hard to sell trucks and satisfy our customers. People can shop our inventory on-line so that helps and if someone wants to buy a truck, we’re going find a way to make it happen.” Customers who might have questions about the best way to come into the Sisbarro Truck Store can call 575-524-1909 or pop in online at https://www.sisbarrotruckstore.com/
The NMDOT Valley Drive road reconstruction project is scheduled for completion in early 2020; in the meantime, the City of Las Cruces encourages residents to continue supporting local businesses and stores on Valley Drive. More information on monthly update meetings www.valleydrive.net.
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The end of the NMDOT road reconstruction is coming, please continue to support local Valley Drive businesses and thank you for your patience!