SE Houston residents frustrated with lack of access to nearby public transit stops due to roadwork

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A construction project is underway on Old Spanish Trail in southeast Houston.

The well-traveled thoroughfare is littered with construction vehicles and traffic cones.

The roadwork is prompting some people to speak out about what they say is a lack of access to nearby public transit stops and shops due to unpaved roadways, and a lack of a nearby walking path for people with mobility issues.

"I don't have access to the metro transit line anymore. My wife is disabled, and I am, too," Kevin Ward said. "But she uses a walker, and we have difficulty getting over all the barriers. I don't have access to any grocery stores anymore because I don't have a car."

The Ward family told ABC13 they rely on ride-share apps to get around, which they said is expensive.

"Whoever is paving this street should've been aware before they did this. Or at least now, should be able to respond," Mobility advocate Lex Frieden said. "I would suggest they may be able to stop the paving at the point where they give them a crosswalk, then continue after they finish one portion."

ABC13 asked the City of Houston's Public Works Department about the project's size and scope. Eyewitness News wanted to know if the timeline is affected by the upcoming World Cup and whether there will be more pathways for people with mobility issues to cross the street.

They did not immediately respond to ABC13's request for comment.