Unmarked Roads A Major Hazard In East Dallas

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Many residents in East Dallas feel they are driving blind after several stretches of roads in the area were left unmarked and without lane striping.

"It's just no man's land. Nobody knows where the lanes are or anything," said Kevin Hunt, who live in Lakewood.

Hunt said it was a close call earlier in the week when a driver weaved into his nonexistent lane and nearly knocked him off his motorcycle.

"Lucky I didn't have to hit a curb or go into someone's front yard," said Hunt.

Several portions of Gaston Avenue sit largely without any dividers between the lanes. At night, some drivers equate the visual to one giant lane and said it is difficult to see where they should drive.

Hunt said while he appreciate the repaving, week and weeks later the road markers and stripes still have not hit the pavement.

"Nothing in my memory gives me any advantage," said Hunt. "I'm like feeling by brail every time."

Even the few temporary markers on the roads are either misplaced or buried in the pavement.

"I can see how the public would say, 'Man they take forever,' " said Jerry Ortega with the City of Dallas Street Services Department.

Ortega said he was unaware the company Dallas contracted with, Viking, had not lined certain roads with permanent or temporary markers until getting a call from CBS 11.

After looking into it, Ortega said 40 streets remain unfinished.

"There are a few areas it could have been done better," said Ortega.

Crews typically have to wait 7-to-10 days for permanent striping after paving and said weather can push the process back even further.
"I ask our citizenry, just be patient," said Hunt.

After CBS 11 notified the City of Dallas, one of the roads pointed out was paved overnight.

Hunt hopes the rest of the streets follow sooner rather than later.

"It's already a dangerous place. Without stripes, it just seems to up the odds," said Hunt.

The City of Dallas said while crews are behind, it is hoping to have every road lined and marked by the first Saturday of November.