A controversial traffic project in Spring Valley Village is drawing criticism from some residents and business owners who say changes to Bingle Road have created congestion and safety concerns rather than solving them.
Two online petitions opposing the city’s so-called “Bingle Road Diet” have gathered nearly 2,000 signatures.
The project reduced a half-mile stretch of Bingle Road from four lanes to three between Westview Drive and West Memorial Park Drive. The redesign added a center turn lane, a bike lane, and expanded space for pedestrians.
City officials say the changes are intended to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
But some who live and work along the corridor disagree.
“Their engineering report said it would produce better traffic flow, which to me is like saying lap band surgery produces more food in your stomach,” said George Zoes, owner of Ruby’s Wigs. “It makes no sense.”
Zoes’ business serves women battling cancer and others experiencing medical-related hair loss. He says Bingle Road is more than a neighborhood street and should be treated as a major transportation route.
“Bingle Road is part of a 30-mile stretch of road which goes north to south Houston,” Zoes said. “It’s not just a neighborhood street inside Spring Valley. It’s a major thoroughfare.”
Critics of the project say the lane reduction has increased traffic congestion, pushed vehicles into nearby neighborhoods and led to near crashes.
Some are now calling on city leaders to reverse course.
“Maybe it’s time to say, ‘Hey, we tried it, it didn’t work. Let’s go back to what was,’” Zoes said. “‘No fault, no harm, no foul.’”
Despite the criticism, Spring Valley Village officials say they have also received positive feedback about the project.
The city’s administrator told KPRC 2 that officials are continuing to monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments aimed at improving the road’s efficiency while evaluating the long-term impact of the redesign.
For now, the debate over the future of Bingle Road continues as residents, business owners and city leaders weigh the balance between traffic flow and safety.