LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nearly one month after the UPS plane crash in Louisville, more than 90 businesses are still closed to the public and struggling to survive.

Owners said they’re running out of time, money and options — but this week brought what some call a small step forward. All businesses inside the crash perimeter were granted overnight access, allowing them to enter from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. 

For many, it’s progress — but not enough.

Brandon Smith, owner of Smith Chassis & Metalworks, said his situation hasn’t changed since WDRB spoke with him on Nov. 14.

“Bills keep coming and we’re not making money,” Smith said.

Smith and his son are out of work and out of housing. They had been living inside their shop before the crash.

“A month of a business being shut down — most small businesses can’t survive that long,” he said.

Louisville Metro Emergency Management Executive Director Jody Meiman said the overnight window helps cleanup crews operate safely and mostly during daylight.

Louisville Metro Emergency Management said crews have been working 24/7 since the crash. 

“It gives our contractors the ability to come in and perform their cleanup operations in normal daylight,” Meiman said.

But that access doesn’t benefit everyone. Smith said his business depends on daytime access to pick up parts and customer foot traffic — neither are allowed under current restrictions.

“We got power back on, we’re waiting on gas, we’re waiting to get in to work,” he said.

Some businesses have utilized the "3rd shift hours" like Quantum Inc. Others told WDRB it changes little, especially for businesses still without electricity, internet or heat.

“It’s a waiting game,” Smith said.

Many business owners said the lack of a rebuild timeline is their biggest frustration. City officials said they cannot provide one due to the ongoing cleanup process.

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