Segment 3

Segment 3 of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) will transform the downtown Houston loop system. Key changes include:

• Rerouting I-45: I-45 will be aligned parallel to I-10 on the north side of downtown and parallel to US 59/I-69 on the east side.

• Downtown Connectors: A new system of entrance and exit ramps will connect I-45 to various downtown streets, improving access to the west side of downtown.

• Pierce Elevated Removal: The existing elevated I-45 along the west and south sides of downtown will no longer serve a transportation function and could be removed. 

• Improved Geometry: Portions of I-10 and US 59/I-69 will be straightened to eliminate curves, enhancing safety and traffic flow.

Beyond mobility, Segment 3 will deliver flood mitigation through advanced drainage systems, improved connectivity, and opportunities for green space and beautification around downtown Houston.

Segment 3 encompasses reconstruction of portions of I-10, I-45, I-69, and SH 288 around downtown Houston.

• Segment 3B-1 is the drainage improvement project along St. Emanuel Street in East Downtown. Construction began in October 2024.
• Segment 3B-2 is the project to rebuild the I-69 mainlanes from State Highway (SH) 288  to I-45, including the I-69/SH 288 interchange. Construction begin in January 2025.

• Widened I-69: Lanes will increase from 8 to 10 or 12 in each direction to accommodate traffic demands.

• Express Lanes: Two new express lanes in each direction will facilitate through-traffic downtown.

• Pierce Elevated Replacement: A Downtown Connector will replace the existing elevated structure, streamlining traffic flow.

• Downtown and East Downtown Connection: A new southbound street will be constructed between Commerce Street and Leeland Street to improve connectivity. 

• Structural Cap Opportunity: A cap over the depressed section of I-69 from Lamar Street to Commerce Street, adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, could host community amenities if developed by third parties.

This update highlights TxDOT's commitment to modernizing Houston's transportation infrastructure while enhancing connectivity, safety, and community spaces.

The Pierce Elevated structure will no longer serve a transportation function and could be removed or repurposed, opening opportunities for innovative urban uses.

1. Extend North San Jacinto St. to connect with Naylor and Providence streets along the new I-10 alignment.
   • Response to community request
      
2. Make Naylor St. into a two-way from North Main St. to North San Jacinto St., and tie Naylor St. in with Providence St.
   
   
3. Extend Naylor St. west of North Main St. so it ties into the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) parking.
   
   
4. Provide parking opportunities under roadway bridges to mitigate impacts to UHD parking.
   
   
5. Build a new detention pond.
   
   
6. All roadways in the area will pass over existing railroad tracks to avoid raising and realigning tracks.
   • In coordination with Union Pacific Railroad
      
7. Add shared use path added along west side of White Oak Bayou.
   
   
8. Build I-10 eastbound exit to Gregg St. under the I-69 northbound to I-10 eastbound direct connector.
   • Response to community request
      
9. Extend I-10 westbound frontage road from Meadow St. to Jensen Dr.
   • Response to community request
      
10. Build connection from Nance St. east to Rothwell St., providing access to Jensen Dr.
    • Response to community request

These proposed design changes would eliminate or reduce the roadway footprint along I-10 eastbound frontage road west of I-69, and west of Downtown near one set of the proposed downtown connectors.

TxDOT continues to look for opportunities to reduce the footprint as final design progresses.

* NEPA reevaluations will be performed as needed when proposed changes deviate from the FEIS