Purpose
TxDOT proposes to widen and extend Airport Boulevard from Hiram Clarke Road to FM 521 in southwest Houston, Harris County, Texas. The proposed project would include the construction of additional travel lanes, bicycle lanes, pedestrian sidewalks and a raised median with dedicated left-turn lanes at selected intersections. The first part of the meeting will be an open house format so citizens may come and go at their convenience, followed by a formal presentation and comment period.
Description
The proposed improvements include:
- Connect two separate existing roadway segments of Airport Boulevard between Hiram Clarke Road and FM 521
- Construct a four-lane boulevard within the project limits
- Construct bridge structures at two Harris County Flood Control District channels
- Add a variable width raised center median with dedicated left-turn lanes at selected intersections
- Construct a dedicated bicycle lane along the outside of the eastbound and westbound travel lanes
- Construct a pedestrian sidewalk along the eastbound and westbound travel lanes
- Implement a curb and gutter drainage system and stormwater detention areas
The project purpose would offer the traveling public a west-east alternative to the limited existing west-east travel corridors in southwest Houston while improving the local traffic flow, efficiency and the safety of the traveling public. The proposed project would change access along residential streets in the Glen Iris subdivision. The project would bisect Woodkerr Street, Lightstar Drive and Ambrose Street. Woodkerr Street and Ambrose Street (north of proposed Airport Boulevard) would have modified cul-de-sac designs. A new roadway alignment is proposed to connect Lightstar Drive and Ambrose Street (south of proposed Airport Boulevard).
Approximately seven acres of additional ROW would be required for detention areas though no residential or non-residential structures would be displaced.
The hearing will be conducted in English. Persons who have special communication or accommodation needs, such as the need for an interpreter, are encouraged to contact the District Public Information Officer at (713) 802-5076. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the hearing. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate these needs. Comments must be received on or before April 21, 2017 to be part of the official hearing record.
The environmental review, consultation and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT.
