Montgomery County residents frustrated with dangerous potholes near railroad crossing

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — Montgomery County residents are demanding action on dangerous potholes along Loop 494 near railroad tracks that have plagued drivers for years, forcing them into oncoming traffic lanes and creating safety hazards.

The persistent road damage has become a daily frustration for commuters like Esther Cabrera, who contacted KHOU 11 about the problem. 

“I drive it every day,” Cabrera said, explaining how drivers are forced to swerve around the holes. “This has been a constant problem, these potholes. It’s like they put dirt in them, and within a couple days, it’s like this again.”

The situation has deteriorated to the point where residents actively avoid the road when possible. John Laskoskie, another frustrated driver, said the issue has persisted for at least two years. 

“This has been at least going on two years. This issue, and it’s just ridiculous,” he told KHOU 11.

Eddie Valadez, who works across the street from the problem area, described the safety concerns. 

“You can see people… you have to come around them. It causes accidents,” he said, explaining how drivers must navigate around the potholes.

Montgomery County Commissioner Matt Gray acknowledged the ongoing complaints and said the county is ready to address the problem but faces regulatory hurdles. 

“We do get a lot of complaints and calls on it, and we are ready and willing to fix it. We’ve submitted for a permit through Union Pacific,” Gray explained.

The delay stems from jurisdictional issues since the railroad crossing falls under Union Pacific’s authority. The county cannot make repairs without proper approval or risk facing fines. Previous attempts at temporary fixes have failed to provide lasting solutions.

“I’m very frustrated. We have the funding to repair it,” Commissioner Gray said, highlighting the county’s readiness to move forward once permits are approved.

Union Pacific told KHOU 11 that they have been working with the county since January and are now in the final stages of reviewing the county’s repair plan to ensure it meets safety standards.

While bureaucratic processes continue, residents remain fed up with the dangerous conditions. When asked what they want to see done, drivers expressed a clear desire for permanent solutions. 

“I want to get it done and done right, you know,” one resident said, while another added, “I want to see it permanently fixed.”

The ongoing situation illustrates the challenges local governments face when dealing with infrastructure problems that cross multiple jurisdictions, leaving residents to navigate hazardous road conditions while waiting for regulatory approval.