A culinary fixture of Lodi could be in danger of going out of business as a result of a federal stimulus-funded construction project.

The state is spending $47.6 million to widen Route 46 and Main Street to ease congestion. Situated on Main Street is Ristoranta Vincenzo, an eatery owned by locals Jenny and Vincenzo Ruggieri for 22 years.

The couple says business hasn't been the same since construction began last week. They are terrified at the long-term effects the work could have.

"It's like a nightmare every day for us," the couple says.

The state Department of Transportation says the Lodi project should be finished by 2012.