CTC volunteers are watching several transportation projects that deserve the public spotlight. These are Houston-area projects currently being studied or designed by local, state, or federal agencies. Each of these projects could dramatically change a neighborhood or even the entire region. But it’s early enough in the planning process that you — as a member of the public — still have a chance to make your voice heard on how they should be done.
Here’s what’s coming in June:
IH-10 expansion: Washington to Taylor
The Katy Freeway expansion west of the 610 loop is well known. But the project also includes work inside the loop, where IH-10 is among Houston’s least-congested freeways. TxDOT is planning 3 new detention ponds and a pumping station to mitigate flooding on the highway. They’ve also designed a major expansion of frontage roads, adding frontage roads where there were none around Shepherd and Studemont, moving on- and off-ramps at T C Jester and Washington, adding new elevated frontage roads which would rise 23 feet above Cottage Grove Park, and eliminating some of the grassy slopes which have reduced freeway noise. Neighborhood groups are worried, and it’s not clear that the frontage roads are even needed. The final phase of design is underway and should be completed this fall.
Get involved:
- Attend a meeting: TxDOT will hold a public open house on Thu June 8, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm regarding the proposed construction of flood mitigation pond(s) along White Oak Bayou near IH-10 inside the loop. The meeting will be held at Sinclair Elementary School (cafeteria), 6410 Grovewood Ln, Houston, 77008.
- Get more information: CTC’s IH-10 fact sheet
- Discuss these projects in CTC’s forums here: “Are proposed I-10 frontage roads inside 610 needed?”
Harris County toll road privatization study
In addition to providing much-needed transportation in major Houston corridors, Harris County’s toll road system is a cash machine, generating more than $300 million in revenue last year. As a result, a couple of investment banks told the County they would pay big money to privatize the system. Back in October 2005, Harris County agreed to look at their options with a comprehensive study that will determine whether it is in the county’s interest to fully or partially privatize the toll road system. CTC members are already fighting to make the toll road authority more accountable to Harris County taxpayers, and we’re concerned that privatization would make the situation worse, not better. The results of the privatization study are due back before the Commissioners’ June 20, 2006 meeting.
Get involved:
- Attend a meeting: Harris Cty Commissioners’ Court will review the next Capital Improvement Plan on Tues June 20, 2006 at 9:00 am. They meet downtown at 1001 Preston, 9th floor chamber, Houston, 77002.
- Discuss the privatization concept in CTC’s forums here: “Selling off Harris County’s toll road system???”
- Review the Harris County Commissioners’ Court agenda
METRO transit expansion
In 2004, 86% of Houstonians told the Houston Area Survey that a “much-improved mass transit system” is “important for the future success of Houston.” In that spirit, planning and design is underway on a system of urban light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail lines which will open by 2012. These projects will shape our city and our neighborhoods for decades to come, and crucial decisions about alignments, station locations, and connections are being made right now. One light rail line (the Universities line), three BRT lines (East End, Southeast, and Uptown), and one major transfer facility (the Northern Intermodal Terminal) are in various stages of planning and design. Decisions on alignments will be made by the end of this year. We have a limited amount of transit funding; if we do not get these projects right it we will not have a chance to do it over.
Get involved:
- Attend a METRO public meeting (Call (713) 739-4018 for more info):
Northern Intermodal Terminal meeting on Thu June 8, 2006 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Kettleson Elementary School, 600 Quitman St., Houston, 77009.
Uptown BRT corridor meeting on Wed June 14, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage, Houston, 77056.
Universities LRT corridor meeting on Tues June 27, 2006 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis, 77004.
Universities LRT corridor meeting on Thu June 29, 2006 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm . NEW LOCATION: Holiday Inn Select, 2712 Southwest Fwy, Houston, 77098. - Get more information: CTC’s Houston transit expansion page
- Discuss METRO’s transit expansion projects in CTC’s forums here: Local Transportation Projects & Programs
Each month, we’ll let you know what’s happening and how you can get involved. Some projects will be featured here and many more meetings will be on CTC’s online calendar. If you know of a project that should be included on our website, please email chair@ctchouston.org.