The overview
The proposed shared-use path would cross over Allen Parkway on the east side of Montrose Boulevard, according to agenda documents from the June 26 meeting. The bridge will be located in the gap between the Montrose Boulevard main lane bridge and the east-side Allen Parkway U-turn bridge. The proposed bridge would be roughly 95 feet long and, and the bridge clearance would be approximately 13 feet from the deck to Allen Parkway.
The backstory
Officials with the Montrose TIRZ discussed the plans at a June 26 meeting. The Montrose TIRZ is already working on a full reconstruction of Montrose Boulevard, and officials with the Downtown Redevelopment Authority proposed partnering on the new shared-use path as a way to complete the project more efficiently. Although the Downtown TIRZ is based in downtown Houston, its boundaries also cover Allen Parkway, and the TIRZ has taken on projects in the past to improve the parkway.
The details
Engineering and design services will cost an estimated $267,500. Construction costs are to be determined. The Montrose TIRZ would take on the design and engineering, while the Downtown TIRZ would cover the bulk of the cost of the project, including the $267,000 design bill. The new bridge would be incorporated into the larger Montrose Boulevard project.
Meanwhile, about 60% of the plans for Montrose Boulevard have been submitted for the city of Houston for review, TIRZ officials said. A public meeting to provide updates on the broader project could be set for the late summer or early fall.
