Construction on a sewer system on University Avenue has created frustration for some business owners in the area.
The South Lubbock Sanitary Sewer Phase II project forced the City of Lubbock to shut down portions of University between 98th Street and FM 1585.
Businesses nearby reported losses in profit after the project was green-lit in July 2015.
“It’s affected us 20-25 percent this year,” said Chad Hardy, owner of Hardy Trees & Nursery, which is located a few hundred feet from the street closures.
“We’ve had a lot of customers come in, and complain about it… that it’s very difficult to get here,” Hardy said.
“It makes it difficult for them to come out, and it definitely affects our bottom line, that we’re noticing this year,” he added.
The project, which cost about $12 million in total, will provide service to the expanding area between County Road 7500 and 114th Street, according to Wood Franklin, Director of Public Works for the City of Lubbock.
“Projects like this are difficult, University is very unique,” Franklin said. “Ultimately in the long run, we’re going to have a better roadway. We’re improving the road. It is a sewer project 40 feet deep in University. That’s a challenge in itself.”
Franklin said in addition to installing the new sections of sewer pipeline, the roadways will also be worked on.
“It was a two-lane road, kind of falling apart, in poor condition. We’re going to be finished, we’ll have a three-lane road, with a turning lane,” Franklin said.
Hardy said the construction challenges have also affected his crews, in addition to sales.
“Just the time and the cost of gas, diesel, going around and coming back has made it very difficult,” Hardy explained.
“In their (the City’s) defense, I definitely think it’s going to be an improvement in this area,” Hardy added, before saying that it has been a challenge getting through the last 12 months.
“Hopefully when the contract gets done, we get out of there, and the road gets open, traffic and mobility in that area will be improved, and those business owners will see a better situation than prior to the construction. And we just ask them to bear with us,” Franklin explained.
“On a positive side of it, I think when they are done, it’s going to be really good. I have to give them credit, this is something that’s way overdue. But I think that in time, it’s going to be good for everybody that’s out here,” Hardy said.
Franklin said the project would be finished slightly later than originally planned, due to rain and flooding, with an expected completion date sometime in September.
