To a city always looking for transportation alternatives, South Post Oak Economic Development TIRZ 9 and Houston Parks Board bring a new nexus of hike-and-bike trails and Metro bus service to the Hiram Clarke Road corridor of southwest Houston.
A completed $635,000 project, funded by TIRZ 9 and carried out by non-profit Houston Parks Board, provides upgraded connections between the multi-use trails on a Centerpoint easement and three Metro bus stops. Improvements include new bus shelters, signage, crosswalks and “refuge islands” in the medians.
Metro buses on local routes are equipped with racks that accommodate two passengers’ bicycles. The project provides a more seamless way for people on the go to get places without using motor vehicles.
TIRZ 9 operates under a tri-party agreement with the adjacent TIRZ 25 and the 5 Corners Improvement District, which is pursuing transportation options through a Livable Centers Study and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Emerging Mobility Study.
At the same time, the bus/bikeway improvements on Hiram Clarke at Brookston Street, Tidewater Drive and Beran Drive provide more attractive and convenient connections to Houston Parks Board’s trail development along Sims Bayou 1.2 miles to the south. The bayou trail is part of the organization’s massive, regional Bayou Greenways initiative.
The new Hiram Clarke project is about three miles from the entrance to the Wildcat Golf Club and Butler Stadium and four miles from Aveva Stadium (home of the Houston Sabrecats professional rugby team).
“TIRZ 9 is pleased to fund these improvements and others in its service area to boost our dynamic and relatively safe neighborhoods that deserve the very best in transportation and recreational options,” said TIRZ Chairwoman Tandelyn Weaver.
“We are excited the Hiram Clarke Bus Stop Improvements Project is complete, as this area previously had very limited safe and accessible pedestrian crossings,” said Beth White, president and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “The improvements to the three METRO bus stops will serve the community well for years to come, offering a safer way for residents to access both the bus stops and nearby trail along the CenterPoint easement.”
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