Driver warns of tire popping curb at Sprouts

TYLER – A Tyler driver is warning other motorists of a worn out curb that pops tires at the entrance of Sprouts on Broadway Avenue.

On Sunday night, Levi Rodriguez hit a curb on the driveway into the main entrance to Sprouts Farmers Market in Tyler. It was late at night and he did not see the hole before the jagged edge instantly flattened his tire. He said he talked to the Sprouts night manager who told him it happens multiple times a day to their customers. Rodriguez was not the only one that succumbed to this curb. He instantly posted to social media about what happened and received hundreds of comments with some people saying the exact same thing happened to them.

Rodriguez said the night manager told him it was a battle between the City of Tyler and the Texas Department of Transportation, to see who’s responsible for the repairs. The storm water inlet is owned by the City of Tyler and South Broadway Avenue is under the care of TxDOT. The city told our news partner KETK that private owner of the driveway is responsible for maintenance.

“Let’s cut through the red tape, the bureaucracy, and find a spirit of collaboration for the greater good of the community,” Rodriguez said.

The city said they are arranging a meeting with the property owners to assess the situation.

Tyler’s full statement to KETK News can be read below:

“The City of Tyler is aware of the issue with a stormwater inlet box at a privately owned driveway on South Broadway Avenue (US 69) near the Loop 323 intersection. Staff have been actively working to address it. The Streets and Engineering Departments are working on a long-term solution and coordinating with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as needed since the inlet and driveway are within the state right-of-way. The City is arranging a meeting with the property owners to discuss next steps as any improvements/modifications must be coordinated with them as the private driveway is their responsibility. The City of Tyler’s goal is to work toward a resolution that protects the drainage system and the surrounding area.”

Currently, there’s a barrier and two cones warning people of the curb. For now, Rodriguez said he will take a couple of more minutes to go around that entrance because he cannot afford anymore damage to his vehicle.

“Thank you in advance for fixing it. Yeah, we’re looking forward to it,” Rodriguez said.