Dallas police chief says traffic issues need fixes after New Year's Eve gridlock

West Dallas resident says revelers lined her street, blocked driveways and ignored no parking signs to see the city's annual fireworks display.

Like clockwork on New Year's Eve, residents living in the La Bajada, west of downtown near Trinity Groves and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, said congestion happens every year as people gather by the thousands to watch the fireworks at Reunion Tower.

“It was like, 'Oh my God. Look at all the people. Look at all the people,'” said Rosa Gomez, who lives in the La Bajada neighborhood just off the bridge.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said there is work to be done to strengthen public safety during large-scale events like Lone Star NYE after traffic congestion on New Year’s Eve left some neighborhoods at a standstill.

Gomez said cars lined her street, blocked driveways, and ignored no-parking signs posted weeks in advance.

“It’s like parking everywhere, everywhere down my street, up and down my street, in the driveway, blocking driveways,” Gomez said. “We actually have to tell them, 'No, you can’t park here. You’re blocking the driveway.'”

Comeaux said the department planned to ease the impact on nearby neighborhoods, particularly in areas where gridlock created challenges for residents and emergency responders.

Gomez said many revelers were seeking free parking rather than paying for parking in nearby lots.

“There are places that you gotta pay to park, and that’s what they’re looking for, free parking,” Gomez said, adding people didn't want to pay $15 for 15 minutes.

Comeaux said he saw the congestion firsthand and noted it created serious public safety concerns, especially in areas where emergency vehicles need to move quickly and without obstruction. Videos circulating online showed traffic stalled along the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and other Dallas roadways as crowds gathered to celebrate the new year.

Comeaux said Dallas police will work with city leaders, local businesses, property owners, event organizers, transportation partners and regional law enforcement agencies to explore better parking and transportation alternatives.

For residents like Gomez, the issue goes beyond one night of inconvenience.

“I can’t leave my house on New Year’s because then I won’t be able to get into my house because of all the traffic,” Gomez said. “This is a nice area, but yeah, it’s a lot of trash. It’s a lot of trash."

The Texas Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over Dallas highways, did not comment on the New Year’s Eve conditions. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office responded to crashes on certain roadways. NBC 5 requested comments, but has not yet received a response.