HOUSTON – KPRC2 viewer Frans Floris reached out to us about Park Row Drive between Highway 6 and Eldridge Parkway in West Houston.
“It’s very messy and it’s obstructive,” Floris said. “It should be two lanes both ways and there’s only one lane both ways. There’s a park and ride right here, business here… They can’t use it.”
One side of the road has been blocked off and closed for about a year. On top of traffic delays, the City of Houston says the contractor declared bankruptcy, and now officials are evaluating bids from potential contractors.
Floris spoke to reporter Re’Chelle Turner about the problem. Turner learned that the construction is part of the Park Ten Project that was set to be complete in the Fall of 2023. However, in September the construction company filed for bankruptcy, and the project was put on hold.
Floris wanted to know if the City of Houston could re-open the road until they hired a new contractor, but Houston Public Works confirmed the road will remain closed in a statement:
“During this interim period, lane closures and traffic control measures will remain in place to mitigate potential risks to public safety associated with open shafts. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding as we prioritize safety throughout the project’s duration.”
Floris said the area has been covered with orange barricades and road closure signs for at least a year.
“They started about two years ago with some work here putting something on the ground,” he said. “I saw them working initially, but they stopped and for the last year or so… nothing.”
The construction stretched all the way down to Eldridge Parkway.
“It’s very messy, and it’s obstructive,” Floris said.
Drivers are pointed by signs to use one side of the road.
“There’s a park and ride right here; there are businesses here; they can’t use it,” Floris said. “There’s metro buses going by, school buses going by, and they are stuck in traffic. I come for work here and back home around 5:30 [or] 6:00, and when I’m on this road, I’m stuck.”
Despite the inconveniences, the road won’t be opening up anytime soon. Houston Public works say the $39-million-dollar project will divert wastewater from the Park Ten Wastewater Treatment Plant to a new sanitary system. It’s bad news for people like Flores who use the road all the time.
“If it takes time to get a new contractor, fair enough—but open the roads,” he said. “I don’t understand why you just don’t open the road and close it off again when the contractor is there so we can use the road.”
As of February, Houston Public Works said the project is approximately 60% complete. Construction is currently temporarily suspended and will resume work in June 2024. To learn more about the Park Ten project and view construction updates, follow this link: https://www.engagehouston.org/parkten