Segment 3A - Design refinements & structural caps
Overview
The original Segment 3A plan did not have Cleburne St. continuing across I-69. Community members told TxDOT the connection needed to stay. TxDOT heard these requests and responded by proposing the design change for Cleburne St. to continue across I-69.
Public and agency comments received from the City of Houston, the Midtown Management District, and the Southeast Management District requested that this important connection be preserved. Keeping Cleburne St. continuous is also an item listed in TxDOT's:
- Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Houston
Extend Cleburne St. across I-69, preserving an important connection between the Third Ward and Midtown.”
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) schematic, Cleburne St. does not go over 1-69.
By going across 1-69, Cleburne St. creates an opportunity for a cap and additional green space for the community.
The proposed design change to extend Cleburne St., across I-69 led to two other proposed design changes.”
Shorten 1-69 southbound frontage road to end at Cleburne St. instead of at Caroline St.
Remove proposed 1-69 northbound frontage road between La Branch St. and Almeda Rd.
Reasons for proposed changes:
- Requested by City of Houston and management districts
- Proposed frontage roads create unconventional cross street intersections and do not improve mobility
- Enhanced bicycle pedestrian opportunities in space where frontage road is removed
Something new
Cleburne St. will not cross I-69 at a 90-degree angle, which results in a deck cap enhancement opportunity.”
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) schematic, Cleburne St. does not go over 1-69.
Benefits of the proposed cap:
- Provide essential connection between Midtown and Houston's Third Ward neighborhoods
- Include enhanced bike and pedestrian paths to create safe, more comfortable transit across what is currently an at-grade crossing under the freeway
- Feature park and recreational space
Multiple educational institutions are located in close proximity to the cap, including:
- Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
- Houston Academy for International Studies Early College High School
Five of Houston's colleges and universities are within a two-mile radius of the cap, including:
- Texas Southern University
- University of Houston
- Rice University
- University of St. Thomas
- Houston Community College-Central Campus
Multiple management districts and governmental entities are working in partnership to ensure the cap exceeds expectation as a desirable amenity for the community.