Thanks to your vigilance and caution around the Shepherd/Durham and Heights at Center construction sites, we can continue moving forward as quickly as possible to minimize the inconveniences that may stem from the progress of the revitalization plan while keeping the community and the construction crews safe. We appreciate you doing your part.
The Next Steps in the Construction Progress
Underground utility work including new stormwater infrastructure has been taking place on 20th street and beginning Sept. 15, 2022, both lanes from Durham to Beall are closed to through traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A police officer will be on the scene to assist residents and business owners/employees exclusively in traveling through the area to get to their homes or workplaces. Paving began on the southside of the street on September 21st – when the southside is finished work will transition to the northside of the street. New sidewalks and trees will be installed after the paving is finished. We expect paving to start on 15th street soon.
The affected parties will receive a physical notice, which they should place on the dashboard of their vehicles to be granted access to 20th Street. Remember that there may be times when residents in this area will not have access to their driveways due to construction, but crews will communicate that information in advance.
After 5 p.m., the westbound lane of 20th Street from Durham to Beall will be reopened to the public, while the eastbound lane will remain closed. Please observe and travel cautiously in this area, as crews will work near the roadway with hazardous machinery.
Crews are working to ensure projects are done safely and in a timely manner, however, please be prepared for unexpected change. You can find the most up-to-date project details here and review the slides from the Shepherd/Durham report to the board here
A Bright Future for Shepherd and Durham
We’ve made great strides in The Shepherd Durham Project, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support we’ve received from the community. The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority is thankful for the community’s support in making Shepherd and Durham construction areas a protected zone for all. Upon completion, the improvements will be worth the community’s patience.
The project will vastly upgrade the current commuting conditions with turning lanes, protected bike lanes, pedestrian areas and lights on the roadway. Public transit stops and shelters will be relocated to increase safety. Finally, to ensure Houston is ready for severe weather events, we are upgrading the stormwater infrastructure to meet post-Hurricane Harvey standards and enhancing the current sanitary and water lines.
Additional construction is underway to provide safer bike and pedestrian trails across Memorial Heights. The White Oak Bayou Trail already received a 1,600-foot extension. This top-rated trail, spanning 17 miles of bikeable and hike-able green space, provides a much-loved connection to the outdoors for Houston residents. Improvements are coming to the Houston Avenue at White Oak Drive Intersection to alleviate driver confusion, improve crossing conditions for pedestrians/cyclists, and improve connectivity to all amenities surrounding the intersection.
Please continue to keep a watchful eye on the crews working to make our community safer, and we appreciate the support you continue to provide for the future of Memorial Heights.
