WAHOO, Neb. (AP) — Residents of a southeastern Nebraska town say they are concerned that a new highway bypass could negatively impact businesses.

Gas stations and other mom-and-pop businesses benefit from about 9,000 vehicles that pass through Wahoo on U.S. Route 77 each day. Several residents say they are worried that those local businesses will lose customers. Although the bypass will likely increase the amount of traffic, they say it could prevent motorists from stopping on their way through the small town.

The Nebraska Department of Roads estimates daily traffic counts could reach 11,000 within 20 years.

Crews began pouring concrete Tuesday for the nearly 4-mile long bypass. The Department of Roads says it could be open by November.