After years of rejected proposals, Stamford's Spring Street opened Wednesday to two-way traffic.

Business owners in the neighborhood have been pushing for the change for nearly a decade. The merchants say changing Spring Street's traffic pattern will give motorists quicker access to parking behind their stores.

Stamford officials say some people are afraid the move will create traffic congestion, but the merchants say anything that gives customers easier access is needed at a time when they're feeling the pinch of a lean economy.

City officials say a traffic enforcement officer will be stationed on Spring Street to clear up any confusion with the new traffic pattern.