COVINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released new guidelines for the region Wednesday.

Transportation Secretary Jim Gray announced alternate routes for large trucks. They are asked to use the I-275 loop in both the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

Gray said this helps prevent those large vehicles from traveling through the streets of downtown Covington and causing traffic jams, an issue several businesses in the area are experiencing.

“Yes the bridge was designed for 80,000 to a 100,000 vehicles a day and now it’s getting as many as 170,000. So yes, there is an awareness, a heightened awareness of the issue associated with the capacity on this bridge,” Gray said.

Meanwhile, the line of cars stretches far and long down Main Street in Covington.

“If you try to drive the three blocks it could take you 15 or 20 minutes to get here,” said Tim Eversole, owner of Bean Haus Coffee and Bakery.

His customers usually park on the side of the streets but that’s hardly possible.

“We’ve seen another 20 percent drop in sales simply because people can’t get to us,” Eversole said.

Their sales have declined not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic but also because heavy trucks and cars passing through make it difficult for customers to wait in traffic and access parking spots.

It’s even impacting his deliveries.

“If we can’t get our raw materials delivered to us and I can't go get 'em, you know that’s just as bad as anything else. We’re struggling with that and I know a lot of other places around down the street are struggling and you know we’re in this together but we don’t want to be in this alone,” Eversole said.

One week has passed since two trucks crashed and caused a massive fire on the Brent Spence Bridge.

The collision’s left a ripple effect in Northern Kentucky with long traffic times.

Owner of Braxton Brewing Company Jake Rouse says they recently unveiled Igloo Bars to survive the COVID-19 winter.

Now with the closure, it’s another challenge to navigate delivering supplies for his taproom on time.

“It’s going to be a really interesting winter. You’ve got all this uncertainty right, you’ve got everything going on with COVID (-19) and on top of that transport in the major artery between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky and so everyday is something new. I’ll tell you that much,” Rouse said.

Secretary Gray said there is an exception. Trucks are able to travel through Covington for local deliveries.

The bridge is expected to finish repairs two day before Christmas.