HOUSTON – Residents of a Sunnyside neighborhood in Houston are facing ongoing frustrations as road repairs, started months ago, remain incomplete.
According to locals, the issue has left them with no choice but to navigate only one side of the street, regardless of whether they’re coming or going. Despite submitting numerous 3-1-1 tickets, the situation remains unresolved.
Unfinished Construction Leaves Residents Struggling
Karen Coney, a concerned neighbor, explained that the street was partially repaired in late 2024, due to utility work in the area. However, the work was never fully completed.
“They did some construction work because utility work was going on in the sewage there. And it happened either December or January. They just left it like this,” Coney said.
The lack of proper repair has created major disruptions for residents. Coney explained that when a car approaches from the opposite direction, everyone on the street must wait for it to pass, leading to traffic jams.
“If there’s a car coming this way, then we all have to wait until those cars come. And if it’s a long line of cars, then we all have to wait until they pass in order to continue down the street,” she added.
Residents are forced to drive on the “wrong side” of the road just to get through, risking potential accidents and further vehicle damage.
Damaged Streets Pose Risks to Drivers and Pedestrians
One of the most concerning issues is the condition of the road. Coney warned that anyone who attempts to drive through the unfinished area risks severe damage to their vehicle.
“You’ll tear the front end of your car up, because the drop is so deep,” she said.
Beyond the potential for car damage, Coney also pointed out safety risks for children. With many children in the neighborhood riding bikes, the current situation poses a danger.
“When the kids are riding their bikes, and there’s a car coming from the opposite side, it’s a danger. The kids could get hurt if they’re not careful or if a car doesn’t see them,” Coney said, emphasizing the immediate risks to young residents.
Frustration Grows Over Lack of Response
Coney has reached out to the City of Houston’s Public Works Department multiple times, submitting two 3-1-1 tickets. She was told that both tickets would be closed within 30 days, but when the tickets were closed, the repairs still hadn’t been made.
“I’ve called several times and nobody has answers. 3-1-1 told me that they didn’t know which department was responsible. It’s frustrating, and I just want answers,” she explained.
Her frustration grew, prompting her to contact KPRC 2 for assistance, believing that the news station could help push for a resolution.
“I said, well, I’m going to call KPRC because they always get things done,” Coney added.
She submitted a HelpDesk ticket.
Public Works Responds
KPRC 2 reporter Joy Addison reached out to the City of Houston’s Public Works Department for clarification. The department confirmed that they had located the open ticket but noted that it had not been routed to the correct department for proper follow-up. They explained that they are investigating why this happened but assured residents that the repairs will be prioritized. Public Works said that they are sending someone out to address the issue immediately.
A Call for Better Communication and Swift Action
Residents in the area, including Coney, are asking for better communication from the city.
“Just communicate with the neighbors, say something,” she pleaded. With no clear answers, neighbors remain frustrated by the inconvenience, the potential dangers, and the ongoing lack of resolution.
As the city works to address the issue, the residents of Sunnyside hope that the necessary repairs will be completed soon, allowing them to safely and freely navigate their streets once again.
