It's become a common sight on St. Clair - store windows covered in newspaper, businesses closed down and construction equipment where cars would normally park.

The TTC's 6.7 kilometre right-of-way started construction in 2005 and was supposed to take $65 million and only two years to finish. But the project is still not done. It's been plagued by delays, which the TTC blames on contractors' scheduling problems.

Local businesses say the prolonged road closures are affecting their bottom line.

"We have almost a hundred [companies] out of business. And people can't get into the [area]. This neighbourhood has been disrupted now since 2005, and it's not even half done," complained Margaret Smith of the advocacy group Save Our St. Clair.

"It's over $100 million for a one-minute saving for a future passenger riding on this street - one minute!"

 But the city says the plan is within budget and that any added costs are tied to separate urban renewal initiatives.

"There is an illusion out there that this is costing more than the original projected price. There are other departments that have added other pieces to this," said councillor Joe Mihevc. "So what has started off as a TTC project has now become an urban renewal project which has included water, hydro, Enbridge and TTC."

And some in the area believe the rejuvenation is worth the wait.

"It is what it is, and we're going to get through it. Once it's completed it's going to revitalize St. Clair," insisted Enzo Marcello of Zo Restaurant.

The new lanes begin at Yonge Street and are complete up to Bathurst. Construction workers have another four kilometres to go until they reach the end of the line at Gunns Road.