Amid ongoing construction by TxDOT in northwest Houston, an auto repair shop is facing a steep decline in business. The owner, Kent Edwards, attributes the downturn to years of construction disruptions surrounding their property.
Edwards is the proprietor of Motorcars Limited, specializing in European car services and repairs. Established around 52 years ago, the shop has been situated on Hempstead Road near Washington Avenue since the mid-1980s.
The trouble began in 2018 when TxDOT initiated construction on the south side of Hempstead Road, according to Edwards. The situation escalated in February 2023 when road excavations led to blocked access points to their parking lot, obstructed by concrete barriers.
Customers now navigate a convoluted detour looping around Katy Road and through the TxDOT maintenance facility’s parking lot to reach Motorcars Limited. Edwards notes that the intricate route has deterred customers and caused disruptions in deliveries.
“We’ve had customers break down and start crying when we’re trying to guide them over the phone. It’s hard to see. It’s hard to navigate. It’s hard to come and go in safely,” Edwards expressed, citing safety concerns due to high-speed traffic.
Despite the challenges, Edwards remains uncertain about the completion timeline of the construction project. He claims to have seen no progress for a year and expresses frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the situation.
TxDOT has yet to provide details about the project’s timeline or any measures to mitigate the impact on local businesses, leaving Edwards feeling disheartened about the future of his 53-year-old business.
