The Texas Department of Transportation will host a virtual public meeting Oct. 30 to provide updates on proposed improvements to Segment 3 of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project, according to an Oct. 29 news release.

What to expect

Participants can join the meeting to view presentations, ask questions and access interactive resource rooms. Real-time Spanish translation and accessibility services will be provided, per the release. TxDOT subject-matter experts will discuss project details, construction timelines, right-of-way commitments and impacts to the community.

About the project

The I-45 NHHIP aims to expand roadway capacity, improve mobility and enhance safety along I-45 from I-69 to Beltway 8 North, including segments of I-10 and I-69 around downtown Houston, according to TxDOT.

The nearly $13 billion project involves rebuilding the downtown freeway loop system encompassing I-45, I-69, I-10 and Hwy. 288, according to the release.

According to the release, Segment 3 includes several changes for the downtown area:

• Rerouting I-45: Aligning I-45 parallel to I-10 on the north side and Hwy. 59/I-69 on the east side of downtown
• Downtown connectors: Adding new entrance and exit ramps to improve access to downtown streets
• Pierce Elevated removal: Eliminating the existing I-45 elevated section on the west and south sides of downtown
• Improved geometry: Straightening sections of I-10 and Hwy. 59/I-69 to enhance traffic flow and safety

Segment 3 will also include advanced drainage systems, flood mitigation and green space enhancements to improve connectivity and resiliency, the release states.

Before you go

The meeting will be held on Zoom, with virtual check-in starting at 4:30 p.m., and the presentation with a live Q&A will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., Oct. 30.