Project area map provided by TxDOT.

The goal of the North Houston Highway Improvement project is to provide a safer facility with additional capacity for projected demand by incorporating transit opportunities, travel demand strategies, and flexible operations.

Project Overview

The Texas Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), initiated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for highway improvements in the north Houston area. The North Houston Highway Improvement Project involves evaluation of the I-45 North corridor from near downtown Houston to Beltway 8 North, Beltway 8 North from I-45 North to the Hardy Toll Road, the Hardy Toll Road from I-610 North Loop to Beltway 8 North, I-610 North Loop from I-45 North to the Hardy Toll Road, and portions of I-10 and US 59 near downtown Houston.

The project is broken into 3 segments:

  • Segment 1: Beltway 8 to I-610 (9 mi)
  • Segment 2: I-610 to I-10 (3 mi)
  • Segment 3: Downtown Loop System (12.3 mi)

Proposed Improvements

Segment 1 & 2

  • Add four (4) MaX lanes (HOV+Express)
  • Add one (1) frontage road lane in each direction
  • Add full-width shoulders
  • Add bike/pedestrian features along frontage roads

Segment 3

  • Realign I-10 and add new Express Lanes (pass-thru)
  • Realign I-69 and depress from Commerce to Spur 527
  • Downtown Connectors replace Pierce Elevated (Pierce Elevated no longer needed)
  • Potential open space (Lamar to Commerce) – subject to separate development and funding

Proposed Timeline

  • 2015-2017: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
  • Spring 2017: Public Hearing
  • 2017-2018: Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
  • 2018: Record of Decision (ROD)
  • 2018-2020: Design/Right of Way (ROW) Acquisition
  • 2020: Begin construction phase 1 (I-69 from Montrose to SH 288)

Texas has been aggressively acquiring private land through condemnation for transportation projects across the state to accommodate the needs of a growing population. If you have been contacted by TxDOT or any of their representatives, please contact us immediately. The important thing to remember is that even if you’ve received a letter in the mail from a condemnation entity informing you of their intentions, this does not mean that it’s a done deal. There are many ways to influence the condemnation process to ensure that your wants and needs are met, but it’s important that you involve knowledgeable professionals that can help guide you through the process.

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