This specific road and sidewalk repair is on Wheeler Avenue near Crawford Street.
A viewer reached out to ABC13, concerned after walking in his neighborhood and finding what they thought was bamboo being used to repair a sidewalk and road.
"My concern is that it's not going to last very long, and it's just a waste of time," concerned citizen Robert Christian said. "Look down there and felt it to make sure. I know this isn't rebar, but what is it? It felt like wood... bamboo."
On Tuesday, the city is dispelling that, confirming with ABC13 that the material being used on the restoration project along Wheeler Avenue near Crawford Street is Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar.
"The material is on the City of Houston's Approved Street and Bridge Products," city engineer O.J. McFoy said.
"They use it in concrete to reduce the cracking of the concrete on the service," University of Houston construction management professor and expert, Ahmed Senouci, said. "By doing that, it will improve the durability of the pavement, extend its lifetime, and reduce the number of times that you have repairs."
Christian has lived in this area for several years. He says it's an area that's no stranger to necessary road work and repairs.
"Most of the roads in Houston are pretty bad," Christian said.
Christian says he was walking along his neighborhood when he came across the sidewalk and road repair project.
He says he felt puzzled and immediate concern.
"I guess a little stunned that they would put bamboo in there instead of rebar," Christian said. "They should do it the right way, not cut corners."
He wants the city to inspect the repair site before concrete is poured on top.
The City of Houston's Public Works Department told ABC13 on Monday that they were investigating this situation after we reached out inquiring about what material was being used in these repairs, if it's customary, and for background information on this repair site.
On Monday afternoon, ABC13 saw city reps take away material from the repair site.
On Tuesday, the city said they are doing everything according to the city plan and with the correct materials.
City reps confirmed with ABC13 this is a restoration order following a water leak repair in the area. On Tuesday afternoon, steel rebar was at the same site on Wheeler Avenue near Crawford instead of the city-approved Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar that was initially installed.
ABC13 has asked the city why it switched the material. We're awaiting a response.
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