A local businessman is working to get highway access built into an overpass in Merrill to help drivers fill up their tanks.

The D.O.T. currently has plans to build an overpass off highway 51, cutting off the Buffalo Spirits gas station from traffic.

Owner Raj Bhandari says building a ramp instead would not only help his business, but the township of Merrill as well.

"This is important for the township because it is developing a business park here, and they're putting a fire and police department here. They want access from the highway so municipal vehicles can go in and out, " said Bhandari.

The gas station is currently closed. It burned down 2 months ago, but the owner plans to turn the pumps back on in January, selling gas out of an ice fishing shanty.