Navigation underpass flooding highlights complex repairs, ongoing investigation in east Houston

Added: 2026-04-30

[00:00:00]Now, this is a story that we've been following for weeks now out of Eado. All it takes is just a little bit of rain for an underpass right near Franklin and Navigation to flood and also block drivers right out.

[00:00:10]>> Yeah, indeed. And when it does, the road can shut down for days forcing drivers to take a detour that's often blocked by passing trains. KPRC 2 News reporter Devon Clark has new details with how long a fix could take.

[00:00:23]We're standing a [snorts] little bit off to the side right now because unlike the last time we reported from this location, as you can see, this underpass is open, but we do know that that could change with just a little bit of rain.

[00:00:33]We also now know that since April 21st, a plan to map out repairs has proven to be a lengthy process with no exact end date in sight. On April 21st, after flooding shut down this underpass, we reached out. The city said a contractor would be on site by Thursday, April 24th to begin inspection and plan repairs.

[00:00:53]And crews did respond, but by April 28th, it was clear the fix would take longer. The city says the project is of high priority.

[00:01:02]A timeline for completion is not yet available. Now, today, April 29th, a more detailed look at what's ahead.

[00:01:09]Officials say that they are still working on the investigation diligently and expect that phase to take, quote, a few weeks. They say the issue involves a 1936 storm sewer buried 25 to 45 ft underground. Officials say they believe fixing the punctures in the line could solve much of the backup. We previously spoke with Dr. Natalie Carroll Salas who said flooding here has already impacted her business by delaying patients and extending appointment times. Now, after hearing this latest update, she says she's staying hopeful. I would hope that they are considering safety factors and for the community and not just our patients, but you know, we have families in the area um that they would consider uh being a little bit more efficient.

[00:01:50]>> maintains that this is a top priority issue, and they also say that on May 4th, crews will be back out here to continue the investigation. As soon as we get a timeline for repairs and its completion, we'll let you know.

[00:02:03]Reporting from Eado, Devon Clark, KPRC 2 News.