I-10 Inner Katy Corridor
TxDOT and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) are working collaboratively to improve mobility and increase access to opportunities along I-10 from I-610 (West Loop) to Downtown, otherwise known as the I-10 Inner Katy Corridor. The goal is to develop new, sustainable and multimodal solutions along the I-10 Inner Katy Corridor that provide connectivity between Downtown, the Galleria area and west Houston, but also serve the needs of local communities such as the Houston Heights and Rice Military.
The I-10 Inner Katy Corridor is a critical link in the regional transportation network that serves multiple modes of transportation including vehicular, transit and freight. The Corridor experiences congestion throughout the day, and transportation demand regularly exceeds capacity. Additionally, the I-10 main lanes have flooded during past major storm events and there are system gaps that limit reliable transit service within the Corridor. Pedestrian and bicycle access is also limited.
Together, TxDOT and METRO have identified a suite of projects that are being developed collaboratively to ensure a coordinated and synchronous approach to providing solutions within the Inner Katy Corridor. The suite of projects includes:
- METRORapid Inner Katy Project
- TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Drainage Improvements Project
- TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project
TxDOT and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) are collaborating in the development of these projects.
METRORapid Inner Katy Project
The I-10 Inner Katy Corridor currently has a gap in dedicated transit facilities between the Northwest Transit Center and the Downtown Connector along I-10. This gap constrains the reliability of transit services and impacts overall METRO service to destinations in West Houston and Downtown. The METRO-sponsored METRORapid Inner Katy Project proposes to construct dedicated busway lanes that connect the Northwest Transit Center to Downtown Houston and would provide for enhanced Park & Ride service for west and northwest Houston, as well as provide connectivity to the METRORapid Silver Uptown Line and the METRORail Green and Purple Lines. Proposed stations along the route include the future high-speed rail terminus, the existing Northwest Transit Center, a new Shepherd/Durham station, and a new Studemont station, with connectivity to Downtown. This project is funded for construction through the METRONext bond initiative and additional funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC).
TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Drainage Improvements Project (CSJ 0271-07-331)
The I-10 main lanes between I-610 West and Patterson Road experienced flooding during recent major storm events which impacted mobility and access for local and regional destinations. TxDOT proposes to make drainage improvements in this area consisting of new detention pond(s), improved outfalls, and upgrades to pump stations and storm sewer pipes. The project includes the proposed purchase of new right-of-way (ROW) to construct a detention pond near the Union Pacific Railroad crossing between Washington Avenue and I-610 West. The TxDOT Drainage Improvements Project is currently not funded for construction.
TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project (CSJ 0271-07-325)
The I-10 Inner Katy Corridor currently experiences congestion throughout the day where demand exceeds capacity. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has ranked I-10 from I-610 to I-45 as the 11th Most Congested Highway in Texas. As transportation needs within the Inner Katy Corridor continue to grow, available physical space to accommodate these increased demands remains limited. TxDOT is currently studying solutions that can address demand and enhance overall mobility within the Inner Katy Corridor. These solutions involve concepts that connect activity centers within the Corridor to a managed lane system. The managed lane system is envisioned to supplement the existing freeway system and allow for transit, freight and other vehicles to flow within the Inner Katy Corridor efficiently. The TxDOT Inner Katy Managed Lane Project is currently not funded for construction.