Franklin Avenue Construction Limits Waco Business Access

Local business owners face restricted customer parking and access during Oncor's ongoing underground electric utility project.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Utilities

Franklin Avenue Construction Limits Waco Business Access

Live Poll

Should utility companies compensate local businesses for financial losses during public road construction projects?

Utility work on Franklin Avenue in Waco has restricted parking access and business traffic for local establishments since August 2026. The project, which involves installing underground electric facilities, is not slated for final completion until December 2026.

Why it matters

Operators in Waco facing long-term utility construction must manage decreased site accessibility and potential physical infrastructure risks to their storefronts. Understanding the utility provider's claims and remediation timelines is essential for mitigating operational disruptions.

Road construction on Franklin Avenue has persisted for 3 months, impacting daily operations for businesses like Victoria's Mexican Food. Completion of the underground electric installation project is currently scheduled for December 2026.

The players

Oncor

A major Texas-based electric utility company that manages the delivery of electricity and oversees infrastructure maintenance.

Victoria's Mexican Food

A local restaurant operating on Franklin Avenue that has experienced restricted parking access due to ongoing utility work.

The details

Oncor is currently upgrading utility infrastructure, which requires excavating road surfaces to install underground electric facilities. These excavations often restrict entry to parking lots, directly affecting customer access during peak business hours. When physical damage to property occurs during such upgrades, operators have the option to pursue a formal claims process with the utility provider.

Construction on Franklin Avenue began in August 2026.
The large hole in front of the restaurant is expected to be filled by November 4, 2026.
The underground electric project is scheduled for completion in December 2026.

Market Landscape

This project reflects the tension between necessary grid modernization and the immediate accessibility needs of street-level retail businesses. It follows established protocols under the Texas Public Utility Commission's construction guidelines for managing physical site damage and operational disruption.

Operators affected by utility work should document all site disruptions and parking restrictions to support future damage or revenue loss claims. Ensure your business remains in contact with the utility provider to track specific deadlines for clearing construction zones near your entrance.

The takeaway

Utility infrastructure projects require businesses to proactively manage customer expectations and site accessibility. Track the official project completion milestones provided by the utility and maintain photographic evidence of any storefront damage to ensure a smooth claims process.