SW Houston News

Houston, March 6, 2024 - Mayor John Whitmire and METRO have announced a joint effort to address hazardous road conditions along Westheimer Road, demonstrating a commitment to public safety and infrastructure improvements.

Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of prioritizing the community's needs, stating, "Any decision we make to grow or change infrastructure will be initiated with a customer-first mindset and a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources." This sentiment underscores the city's dedication to enhancing mobility options and transit services while ensuring accountability and efficiency.

METRO Chairman Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock expressed pride in the collaboration with Mayor Whitmire, affirming, "We are proud to collaborate with Mayor Whitmire on making Houston a better place to work, live and play. We will do our part by implementing safe street, sidewalk, and bus shelter initiatives." The joint effort aims to improve the overall quality of transportation infrastructure in the city.

The project, originally intended for repaving only the curb lanes where buses operate, has been expanded to include resurfacing the entire width of certain sections of Westheimer between IH-610 and Bagby. Additionally, accessible sidewalk and bus stop upgrades will be incorporated as part of METRO's BOOST program.

Chairman Brock highlighted the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of the expanded project, stating, "The decision to expand this project is cost-effective, causes less disruption for drivers in the long term, and will extend the life of the pavement." This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the experience for all road users, including personal vehicle drivers, bus riders, and cyclists.

The revised project, with a budget of $12.2 million, eliminates the need for separate repaving of center lanes, resulting in improved traffic flow, streets, sidewalks, and bus shelters. The construction is scheduled to commence in April 2024, providing faster and more comfortable transportation solutions for the community while optimizing taxpayer resources.