Intersections on Ella Boulevard to see safety upgrades starting in first quarter of 2027

Construction of safer pedestrian crossings on Ella Boulevard is expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2027.

In a nutshell

Houston City Council approved a $157,500 agreement between the city and the Memorial-Heights Redevelopment Authority on July 29 to install a pedestrian hybrid beacon along Ella Boulevard at the intersections of W. 22nd St. and W. 23rd St.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon, also known as a HAWK signal, is a traffic control device designed to help people safely cross busy or high-speed roads by allowing pedestrians to press a button that sends a signal to the beacon to tell drivers to stop or slow down, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

A representative with the MHRA said the project will give residents a safer way to cross the street to the nearby park and neighborhood.

• Timeline: early 2027
• Cost: $157,500
• Funding source: city of Houston