HOUSTON – Following concerns from community members in the Third Ward, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced Friday that TxDOT has agreed to temporarily delay the project to allow for the community to receive more information about it and how it will impact traffic.
The project would expand the storm drainage system from MacGregor to Cleburne in Third Ward.
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While the project is related to the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project, it is actually separate and would impact people around Highway 288 in southeast Houston.
RELATED: Construction confusion: 3rd Ward resident shocked to learn about TxDOT project
Lee said after attending a recent meeting on the project, she requested a temporary delay in the beginning of the work.
“My office was present at the recent Super Neighborhood meeting regarding a project related to the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP), but it is technically separate and impacts residents in Southeast Houston in Highway 288 area. After learning about residents’ concerns regarding ambulance access and traffic patterns, I immediately began to work with TxDOT officials to resolve the issues brought about by the planned construction.
“In the letter to TxDOT regarding the I-45 construction, I requested a delay in the start of the work over a certain period to allow residents to be better informed about the planned construction.
“I am pleased to announce that TxDOT was responsive and immediately agreed to my request on behalf the community. The construction start time will be delayed, and the community will have more time to understand the impact of the construction and the impact on the thousands of people who live in the area. My office will be working with TxDOT and the community to get their questions answered. My focus will be on making sure that the project is compatible with the needs of the entire neighborhood.”