As construction drags on at a popular DFW hotspot, citizens and businesses have voiced concerns about congestion, traffic, and accessibility.
West 7th Street in Fort Worth is described as “a multi-block urban village, [a] pedestrian-friendly area [that] offers high-concept dining, local specialty fashion retailers, and unique entertainment venues.”
However, a city project to put in bike lanes has been delayed repeatedly for over a year, causing increased congestion. Originally slated to be completed in July, the project remains incomplete as of the first week of September.
The construction delay has had a significant effect on the businesses in the area. One of the places impacted is Emmy’s Smokehouse, a well-regarded restaurant on West 7th.
John Cobio, the assistant manager at Emmy’s, explained, “Originally, they had a fence blocked up, so you couldn’t even see the establishment because of the fence they had.”
“It’s been hard for people to recognize that there’s actually a restaurant here, and it’s been killing sales,” he continued.
The drivers who have to endure the congestion have expressed similar frustration. “It’s chaos. Honestly, it’s chaos … It’s stopping up traffic, and it’s making everything backed up,” voiced resident Betty Price.
On top of the repeated delays, concerns about overcrowding have been elevated as the city considers approving potential housing developments. The plan would demolish several businesses to clear room for several hundred new apartment units.
The proposal, however, does not include expanding the roadways in the area, which will be narrower than they are now due to the bike lanes being added.
Carol McCluer, whose home is in the area, said, “Seventh Street’s a disaster, and they’re just going to add more cars to an already congested, potentially dangerous throughway… [the city] just can’t seem to keep their hands off.”
Fort Worth stated that delays have resulted from problems with the construction contractor and issues pertaining to underground water lines.
