MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During ABC24’s Let’s Talk townhall in January, a South Memphis viewer said that after a stretch of road was shut down for two to three months to be repaved, it’s still giving drivers problems.
“When I come over it in the morning, it’s the big drop for me,” said Tajuana Malone, describing the driving experience. “It’s a hard bump and a drop.”
Malone said driving through South Pkwy. East between Cummings St. and Elvis Presley Blvd. is like riding a rollercoaster. Even after the City of Memphis reportedly spent two to three months repaving it to fix potholes in 2023.
“Once you cross over the light, it’s a dip and then there was a gap at one point,” Malone said. “So, I guess they tried to cover the gap and put this little speed bump-like thing.”
The other side of South Pkwy. East appears much more level, especially when compared to the drop-off.
Chavez Donelson, who works nearby at Moore’s Barber Shop, said it’s especially dangerous for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
“Because you’ll just drive the normal speed limit or whatever and it could mess your car up,” he said.
Area businesses also said the street closure cost them customers. Colleta’s Italian Restaurant, a Memphis staple, estimates daily sales dropped 40 to 50 percent during the months the road was being paved.
“It was a headache. It was really depressing,” said manager Sharlene Burns. “It was hard for the people to get in here to pick up their orders or come in and eat.”
The city said that once paving season resumes in April, they will put down the final layer of pavement. Then they still have to fix the potholes on the other side of South Pkwy. East.
The City of Memphis said they will have their contractor visit the area Tuesday to evaluate the street and see if there is something they can do before repaving season, which runs from April to November.