The East End Rail Line won’t be completed until Metro can get the trains over the freight rail tracks at Hughes Street.
The Harrisburg overpass will take the East End light rail line over the freight rail tracks at Hughes Street
Metro is holding public meetings to discuss the Harrisburg overpass project with East End residents and business owners.
The Harrisburg Overpass is the final piece of the puzzle to Metro’s Green Line. The East End light rail runs along Harrisburg Street, and the overpass will connect it to the Magnolia Park Transit Center.
But some neighborhood business owners fear they’ll suffer losses during construction.
Mark Rodriguez owns a used car lot on Harrisburg. He says road closures will make his shop harder to access.
“Now you’re going to get this wall where they’re going to stop the traffic,” Rodriguez says. “I mean, it’s going to hurt any business. It don’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.”
Some are willing to compromise.
Jarred Mick owns a pawn shop on the 5800 block of Harrisburg. He says he can work around road closures, but he’ll need help coping with potential losses.
Metro is considering offering financial assistance to help businesses get through the construction period.
Mick says for him, that aid is essential.
“It’s almost to the point where if I get it, I make it,” Mick says. “If I don’t get it, I don’t make it. That’s how crucial it is for my business.”
Metro’s Board of Directors is expected to discuss offering business assistance at an upcoming meeting.
Construction on the overpass could begin as early as next week.