Oncor Construction Disrupts Waco Franklin Avenue Business

Utility upgrades have restricted access to local businesses on Franklin Avenue for three months.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Utilities

Excavation trench with exposed utility conduits and orange traffic cones on an urban street. — Oncor utility infrastructure upgrades on Waco's Franklin Avenue have entered their third month, limiting parking access for numerous local businesses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

Utility construction on Franklin Avenue in Waco has persisted for three months, complicating access for local businesses like Victoria's Mexican Food. The ongoing project involves the installation of underground electric facilities.

Why it matters

Utility infrastructure upgrades are necessary to modernize the grid, but prolonged projects frequently place a significant financial burden on small businesses by limiting customer access. Oncor provides a formal claims process for those suffering physical damages.

The road construction project has been active for 3 months. The work specifically impacts access near the restaurant, which typically sees peak activity at 9:30 AM.

The players

Oncor

Oncor is a major electricity delivery company that operates infrastructure and manages utility maintenance projects across parts of Texas.

Victoria's Mexican Food

Victoria's Mexican Food is a local establishment located on Franklin Avenue that has faced operational challenges due to recent street construction.

The details

Oncor is currently performing infrastructure upgrades to install new underground electric lines. The active construction site includes a large hole located directly in front of Victoria's Mexican Food that restricts access to the parking lot.

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

Market Landscape

Utility companies like Oncor are increasingly tasked with balancing essential grid modernization with the commercial needs of local business corridors. This effort often creates friction between infrastructure timelines and the immediate financial stability of small retail establishments.

Customers visiting Franklin Avenue should anticipate ongoing parking restrictions and limited access until the site is cleared. Those experiencing specific financial or physical damages from the construction may utilize the utility provider's claims process.

The takeaway

Small businesses operating in zones of heavy utility construction should document all accessibility issues and track potential revenue impacts. Maintaining open communication with utility contractors can clarify timelines for site restoration and help manage expectations for staff and patrons.