Houston, Texas (KTRK) – A large hole in the floor at 2800 Brailsfort Street in the Third Ward has been temporarily repaired after a photograph showed a resident standing inside the hole.
The Houston Department of Public Works told ABC13 on Wednesday that the hole was not a ditch, but rather a ditch created by an unlicensed company called “We Excavate Texas” that was working on homes on nearby Drew Street.
The city said the company is ultimately responsible for properly restoring the sidewalk to its original condition, but it was public works crews who secured a steel plate over the hole Wednesday afternoon.
Original story: Private contractor says potholes made the street problem worse
“I got into the hole, and I was up to my waist,” said Ed Pettit, the Third Ward resident who posted that photo last weekend. “I’m 6 feet.”
Pettitte had to ask nearby residents for more information about the extensive damage to the street.
“They said it’s been like this for over a week,” Pettitt said.
He added that neighbors gave him two examples of cars entering the pothole before it was repaired, both of which required assistance from passers-by.
“I couldn’t get out,” said Ron Emanuel, who drove into the pits last Thursday. “I had to force my neighbor to take me out.”
Emmanuel told ABC13 that the accident caused damage under his car, and that he had to buy two new tires for his SUV.
Posting the photo, Pettitt said, prompted the city to respond to the damage.
This past Monday the contractor filled the hole with dirt, and two days later when the city cemented those repairs.
As for Pettitt, he’s glad the street is at least drivable again but fears it will only happen because of his image and subsequent news coverage.
“It shouldn’t have taken this long,” he said. “I don’t understand how the underlying issues will change.”
One of Pettit’s concerns was whether or not the responsible company would be held accountable.
A public works spokesperson told Eyewitness News that We Excavate Texas will receive a quote to create a pothole on the street, and that the city will work with them to restore the asphalt to its typical condition.
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