Delay In Road Fix Sparks Safety Concerns In Arlington

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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - An Arlington businessman worries construction is creating a dangerous situation for both drivers and pedestrians.

Paul Aaron said his concerns began about a week ago, when crews repaired a water main break at Lillard Road near the intersection of Division Street. The water main is fixed, but the street still isn't. The problem has left drivers with nowhere else to go except through the parking lots of a car wash and Aaron's business.

"It's become somewhat of a nuisance," said Aaron.

He said he's watched dozens of people drive through his lot.

Aaron believes it's become dangerous. "We've nearly been hit several times since this happened and it's been kind of nerve-wrecking."

That's especially true he said after seeing the way some people drive.

"Some of them just gun it. And I shouted at a few people yesterday, slow it down because you could cause an accident."

The city never put up a sign warning drivers.

So as the owner of Bannertime, a business he's owned for 21 years, Aaron displayed his own sign.

People like Ryan Gallagher, who lives just up Lillard Road said, "Yeah it's a pain."

Gallagher said he and his wife now avoid the area -- particularly at night.

"The other night, my wife and I thought it had opened up and started driving down that way and then we realized it was closed off because it's really dark, so you can't see anything."

CBS11 News called the city for answers. A spokesman said they were unaware of the situation and they will send crews out to make the intersection passable, until they can get it fixed permanently.

But the delay in fixing the intersection has left people puzzled.

"Why is it taking so long to fix? It's been blocked off, but I haven't seen anyone in days," asked Gallagher.

"We haven't heard anything and we don't know what's going on," agreed Aaron.

No word when the crews will begin repairing the intersection.

On Saturday evening, Paul Aaron said he's relieved to hear the situation is now getting the city's attention.

Follow Jack on Twitter: @cbs11jack

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