Shoppers at JC Penney's in Casper's Eastridge Mall can expect some rerouting as construction crews work on better traffic patterns in the coming weeks.

The Penney's store was opened in 1982, at the same time as the mall, and it has had very little updating.

"So what we're doing is reconfiguring our aisles to where they make a little better flow sense for the customers," store manager Greg Rice said.

The old floor plan had lots of aisles and departments that were essentially chopped up. The new store will feature a "racetrack" design, with main aisles that cut through the floor space.

"When you put in squares rather than a lot of angles, it's easier for the customers to navigate," Rice said.

The store make over will also include rearranged walls, new tile and carpets, and fresh paint throughout. Particular pizazz will be added to the shoe and jewelry departments.

Rice said the remodeling will include some asbestos remediation in four or five "hot spots" throughout the store.

"That takes place at night and everything is cleaned for the customer the next day," and thus poses no health risks, he said.

Construction work will proceed night and day at first, but most of the work will be done during the day.

The store will remain open during the construction, which is expected to be completed by Sept. 20. Cost of the project is estimated at just under $1 million.

"We appreciate the patience of our customers and the city of Casper, because it is a very demanding process," Rice said.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or call 307-266-0574.