The project is being carried out by the Memorial-Heights Redevelopment Authority, and construction started earlier in 2022. However, the city of Houston requested officials include infrastructure improvements as part of the work, including the design and installation of 10,388 linear feet of water line and the abandonment of 2,298 linear feet of sanitary sewer line, according to an agenda language submitted with the item.
The additional $4.7 million was needed to include an additional 500 linear feet of line work as well as to cover increased costs of construction and materials.
Ground broke on the project in December 2021, but construction work did not begin until around spring 2022. The work spans from from West 15th Street to I-10 West and involves reducing the number of traffic lanes on each road from four to three while adding protected bike lanes and installing sidewalks.
A complementary project coming later will involve making similar improvements between West 15th and Loop 610. The project has received federal funding, including a $40 million grant.
Work on Shepherd is currently taking place around 15th, where road excavation, paving and the installation of storm sewer lines is underway, according to updates posted online by the MHRA. Storm sewer lines are also being installed on 16th Street between Shepherd and Durham, and a water line is being installed on 19th Street.
