Phase one of a Houston Public Works paving and drainage project in the Memorial Heights area is set to begin in March.

During a virtual public engagement meeting held March 3, the public works department went over plans for the 20-month, six-phase construction project, also answering questions from community members in attendance.

The first phase of work will take place on Second Street between Heights Boulevard and Harvard Street as well as Honsinger Street, most of Wagner Street and East Street north of Honsinger.

Phase two is scheduled to begin in the summer and will cover sections of East, Harvard and Hicks streets as well as the entirety of High Street.

Phase three will begin in the fall; phase four will begin in winter 2023; phase five will start in spring 2023; and phase six is set to begin in summer 2023. Across those four phases, work will take place on Center Street, Lakin Street, Court Street and other side streets in the area between Harvard and Studemont streets.

“During construction there will be inconveniences, ... but we have a rock-solid team,” said Juan Chavira, assistant director of capital projects, at the March 3 meeting.

Chavira described how residents can learn more about the work and how to address concerns, including speaking with project managers during construction or through Engage Houston’s website.

Public works officials said the goal for the project is to improve traffic circulation and water drainage in the area. Road repaving work includes 6-foot-wide sidewalks on either side of the proposed 24-foot-wide car lanes.

Residents are encouraged to remove items in the right of way before construction crews begin work.

The $14.5 million project is slated for completion in fall 2023.