TxDOT responds to construction allegations prompting local business closure

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation responded to allegations of a local business closing due to ongoing construction around the area.

On Monday, Alfredo Lopez, owner of A&V Lopez Super Carniceria, announced on Facebook that the business would be closing its Brownsville International location due to the ongoing construction.

"The road construction on International Boulevard has closed [our] two main entrances for over a month and a half, almost 2 months we cannot stay in business," Lopez wrote in a social media post.

Lopez added the franchise will be relocating its employees, who are working in the International Boulevard location, to their other seven Lopez Carnicerias in Brownsville.

A&V Lopez Super Carniceria, located at 2814 International Boulevard, has announced on its billboard it will be closing on Aug. 31 "due to construction."

Ray Pedraza, spokesperson for TxDOT told ValleyCentral the construction on International Boulevard is to help upgrade the sewer system. The department is accomplishing this by replacing the existing asphalt pavement with concrete which will help with any drainage issues in the area.

Pedraza also responded to the claims that the store was closing due to construction in the area.

"We were not aware of any issues with local business," Pedraza said. "The contractor has been in contact with local business property owners and local schools."

TxDOT said Roosevelt Street will be open this week, but the work will require the intersection to be closed again when the concrete payment is constructed.

"This area of construction should take another month and a half to complete," Pedraza said.