A roadwork project along S. Church Street in Dayton has turned into a muddy mess for residents, who say the situation has made daily life difficult and even dangerous in recent days.
For 84-year-old resident Martha Boothe, the construction has meant canceled doctor’s appointments, limited access to groceries, and growing concern for her elderly neighbors and nearby children.
“The city neglected to keep up with the utilities,” Boothe said. “If they would have maintained the water lines better, this likely wouldn’t have happened. The road people were ready to pave this street, but when the leak hit and it wouldn’t quit leaking, that’s when the real problems started. I need groceries, but I guess as long as my canned soup holds out, I’ll be okay.”
Boothe said recent rain has worsened the muddy conditions, making it nearly impossible for residents to safely leave their homes and go to work or school.
City Manager Derek Woods acknowledged the residents’ frustrations, saying the city is working as quickly as possible to complete the project while ensuring the infrastructure is properly repaired.
“The City of Dayton extends its sincere gratitude to all residents for their continued patience during our ongoing street rehabilitation project,” Woods said in a statement. “We particularly want to thank the residents of Church Street for their understanding during unforeseen delays.”
Woods explained that once work began, crews discovered the existing water line was shallow and aging. To ensure long-term stability, the city decided to replace the line and bury it at the proper depth before paving could proceed. Additionally, the CenterPoint Energy gas line was found to be too shallow and is now scheduled to be replaced in the coming days.
“We recognize that the heavy rains over the weekend have created significant inconveniences for residents on Church Street, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption,” Woods said. “We kindly ask for continued patience as these essential infrastructure improvements are completed.”
Residents who need help accessing their properties are encouraged to contact the City of Dayton Public Works Department at 936-258-2354.
More rain is in the forecast this week, so the repairs could be further delayed. Bluebonnet News will continue to monitor this situation.
Please, keep the raised center of this street- in the center was a ‘hump’, above yards’ level. While some streets in Dayton were impassable, Church Street allowed free open passage. The raised center of this old street allowed safe traffic passage without tires of cars being submerged, or possible car trouble due to high water. Adjacent streets, Main Street and Winfree; there is high water over these 2 streets during heavy rains and hurricanes. This section of S Church Street, with it’s raised center, prevented water from flooding this street. Allowing good, safe passage. Water soaked yards yes; but no noted ‘standing’ water. Water flowed down Church street to corners of Church and Houston, having good drainage. The ‘Hump’ may have been due to gas and water lines, but just, please, re-build S Church St with it’s old ‘hump’ in the middle of the street. Lived on S Church St for 30 years, thankful for water free passage.