Work is moving forward on Phase 2 of the Shepherd Durham Project, bringing significant upgrades to one of our neighborhood’s busiest corridors. These improvements are designed to support a safer, more reliable, and more welcoming experience for everyone who travels through this area.
What Phase 2 Includes
This next phase continues the transformation of Shepherd and Durham, building on earlier progress to create a corridor that works better for all of us. The improvements are not just about how the streets function, but about how they support everyday life in our community. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Safety
- Improved Traffic Flow
- More Mobility Options
- Utility upgrades
- Stormwater Retention
This project ensures smoother, more reliable travel through the area. It adds upgraded traffic signals, sidewalks, and bike lanes to protect all travelers, while dedicated facilities encourage walking, biking, and transit. The improvements also boost access for residents, support local businesses, and enhance the corridor’s overall character.
Your continued patience, flexibility, and support make all the difference as the project moves forward.
Construction Updates: February 2026
Thank you to everyone for your continued support as work progresses along Durham Drive. To help keep our community informed, here’s what to expect as construction moves forward.
Durham Roadway Work
- Starting February 5, 2026 traffic will be reduced to two lanes on the east side of Durham Drive between 11th Street and White Oak Bayou Bridge near 6th Street through mid-June.
Shepherd Roadway Work
- Construction continues along Shepherd Drive. One driveway into the Shepherd Corporate Center just north of 7th Street under the bridge will be closed through the end of May 2026.
- From February 16 to June 15, 2026 the Shepherd feeder road on the west side of the M-K-T development will be closed. Please avoid using the street to access Shepherd. Detour signage will guide drivers via 7th Street, Dorothy Street, 7½ Street, 8th Street, Lawrence Street and 10th Street and back to Shepherd.
Detour Details
To help minimize delays and improve safety during construction, designated detour routes are in place. These routes are intended to keep traffic flowing and provide the most direct access through the area. Please follow posted signage and use the recommended paths when traveling through the project zone. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
MKT patrons are encouraged to use West 6th Street to access Shepherd Drive northbound over the bridge:
- Head south in the MKT parking lot towards West 6th
- Turn RIGHT on West 6th heading west
- Turn RIGHT on Shepherd Drive heading north
- Follow Shepherd Drive over the bridge heading north
Detour for closure on Shepherd Service Road:
- If at all possible use 6th street
- Exiting MKT to the Shepherd Service Road turn RIGHT on Shepherd Service Road heading north
- Turn RIGHT on West 7th heading east
- Follow the curve to the LEFT onto Dorothy heading north
- Turn RIGHT on either West 7½th or West 8th heading east
- Turn LEFT on either Alexander or Lawrence heading north
- Turn LEFT on West 10th heading west
- Turn RIGHT on Shepherd Drive heading north
How to Stay Connected
If you have questions or concerns, you’re always welcome to reach out.
General questions can be directed to the City by calling 311 or emailing engage@houstontx.gov.
Emergency contacts:
Superintendent – Reese Davis: 281-216-8560
Project Manager – Robert Maldonado: 346-342-7244
Contractor – Zach Harrison: 713-294-2038
