HOUSTON – A flood-prone underpass in Houston’s East End is once again causing problems for drivers and businesses, with neighbors saying even light rain can make the road impassable.
The underpass near Navigation Boulevard and Franklin Street remained closed Friday, with mud and debris left behind from recent storms.
People who live and work nearby say the issue is not new, but many believe it has gotten worse in recent years.
Scott Singleton, who has lived in the Second Ward for more than two decades, says flooding used to be rare.
“We’ve lived in the neighborhood for 22 years,” Singleton said. “Now… anything around a quarter inch of rain, this fills up.”
Singleton believes nearby road construction may have impacted drainage in the area, though that has not been confirmed by the city or state.
When the underpass floods, getting around becomes difficult.
“You have to find alternate ways… or have to be stuck,” said Honisti Bisor, who works at a nearby restaurant.
Drivers are often forced to detour, sometimes waiting on trains or taking longer routes through surrounding streets.
Singleton says those delays can create additional challenges.
“It’s really difficult to get around… because of the train,” he said.
The impact extends beyond traffic.
“Patients have trouble getting here on time,” said Efrain Sanchez, an office manager at a nearby business.
Residents say the flooding has become a recurring problem.
“It floods probably every couple of months,” Singleton said.
There have also been multiple reports of vehicles getting stuck in the water, with emergency crews responding to rescues in some cases.
Neighbors have submitted 3-1-1 complaints and shared concerns on social media, calling the underpass a known flood risk.
Even with gates meant to keep drivers out, some say they are not always closed in time or may not be effective.
“It doesn’t look to me like it’s going to be effective,” Singleton said.
Because Friday is Good Friday, city offices were closed, and officials were not immediately available to comment on potential solutions.
With more rain expected this weekend, residents and business owners say they are concerned the underpass could flood again.