HOUSTON — A multi-million dollar city construction project was put on pause and residents in a West Houston neighborhood wanted to learn why.
Work began in summer 2022 to replace wastewater lines along Richmond Avenue, part of a project called Chelford City Diversion Package 2.
Months ago, the work stopped and some residents say they were never informed why the construction project was put on pause.
KHOU 11 News' Troy Kless got answers from city leaders. Leaders said some of the work may not be visible from the street level because workers are below ground replacing the wastewater lines, but one resident claims its impacting traffic and nearby residents.
“It’s a headache every day,” said ML Curry, who has lived in the neighborhood near Richmond and Synott for almost 40 years.
He said work suddenly stopped months ago.
“We noticed heavy equipment and people out here every day working then all of a sudden they left the equipment for three months and then they moved all the equipment, I’m like okay, this is strange,” Curry said.
According to the project website, the contractor went bankrupt in November. An update posted on the Engage Houston website at the time says the city terminated their contract and all construction activity was suspended.
It left the $21 million project in limbo, until the city says it began work to finalize a contract to resume the project.
“It is four phases, very aggressive and it is disruptive,” said city councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas.
In January, emergency purchase orders with subcontractors were approved by city council to ensure bypass pumping, fencing, traffic control and other measures remained in place while the city prepares to put the project back out to bid.
“I want to just affirm that we have pivoted from, there has been a delay, we’ve communicated that openly and we’re moving forward, so [residents] should see additional activity,” councilmember Thomas said.
Curry is relieved to get some answers about the project’s status, but still has questions about the future of Richmond Avenue.
“My major concern is once they finish, are they going to fix the streets so there can be traffic on both sides and people aren’t tearing up their cars,” Curry said.
According to the Engage Houston website, the project will replace wastewater lines, new manholes, and a new lift station.
Residents who have questions or concerns about the project should reach out to 311. Updates will be posted on the city’s website.
Councilmember Thomas estimates the project could be completed by 2025, but a new contractor has not been selected yet.