CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Road construction on Morgan Avenue is about to get into high gear, which is bad news for drivers -- but also for one of the busiest fire stations in Corpus Christi.
As construction upgrades began Monday, drivers are asked to use caution when traveling near the fire house.
“Whenever lights and sirens are on for any public-safety vehicle, whether it's fire, EMS, police -- we ask residents to pull to the right and to slow down,” said Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Robert Rocha.
Some city construction projects can impact fire stations such as No. 3 on Morgan Avenue, which has been ranked one of the busiest medic units in the state and the sixth-busiest in the nation.
While construction continues Rocha said communication is going to be key.
“In the meantime, we work closely with the construction companies and with city staff to make sure that the fire station at Morgan, and all of our fire stations, are able to function as an operating unit, and able to access a way in and out of the stations,” he said.
The Morgan Avenue street project will include new pavement, upgrades to curbs and gutters, sidewalks, among other improvements.
Fire crews also said other nearby stations will be on standby for assistance.
Rocha said that, in April, the fire department plans to add another ambulance to Fire Station No. 7, located on Staples Street.
Fire officials believe this will also help decrease the run load at Fire Station No. 3.
The city anticipates having construction completed by July 31, 2021.