Timeline
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Timeline

See the below timeline outlining the project milestones

  • TxDOT has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) and it is available for review. The ROD identifies the selected alternative and signifies the completion of the environmental review process.
  • The Selected Alternative includes construction of roadway improvements to add four managed express (MaX) lanes on I-45 from Downtown Houston to Beltway 8 North, reroute I-45 to be parallel with I-10 on the north side of downtown Houston and parallel to US 59/I-69 on the east side of downtown Houston, realign sections of I-10 and US 59/I-69 in the downtown area to eliminate the current roadway reverse curves that limit capacity, and depress US 59/I-69 between I-10 and Spur 527 south of downtown to remove the problematic weaving sections. The proposed project also includes reconstruction of mainlanes and frontage roads; addition of bicycle and pedestrian realms along the streets that cross the freeways, including a 15- to 17-foot-wide pedestrian realm that will create a buffer between the bicycle and pedestrian traffic and the vehicular traffic; addition of sidewalks along frontage roads; and addition of pass-through lanes on I-10 that will separate traffic desiring to go to downtown from traffic destined to go through downtown.
  • The ROD documents selection of the Preferred Alternative described in the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as the alternative selected for implementation. It presents the basis for the decision, summarizes the mitigation measures that will be incorporated into the project, and provides responses to issues raised in comments received on the final EIS. Although the ROD is the final step in the EIS process and results in a Selected Alternative, future changes and refinements to the project can still occur.
  • The ROD is written in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to review the ROD, please contact the TxDOT Director of Advanced Project Development at (713) 802-5070 no later than 4 p.m. CT, at least three business days before the date on which you would like to review the ROD. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.
  • Notice: Record of Decision available for public review
  • Aviso: Decisión de Registro Disponible para revisión pública 
  • Record of Decision
  • Appendix A – Summary of means to avoid, minimize, and mitigate Effects
  • Appendix B – Responses to issues commonly raised in comments received on the final EIS
  • The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has completed the final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) for the proposed North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP). The final EIS incorporates input received on the draft FEIS and includes project design changes made after the draft EIS, as well as more refined and definitive information on the project’s environmental concerns, impacts, and mitigation.
  • The final EIS includes three volumes which are available at the links below.
  • Volume I contains the body of the final EIS and includes an executive summary, which can be downloaded separately at the links below in English and Spanish. The summary provides a snapshot of the project background and its need and purpose; summaries of alternatives considered and environmental impacts; and the preferred alternative to improve mobility and safety throughout the NHHIP corridor, from downtown Houston to Beltway 8 North.
  • Volume II includes final EIS exhibits; schematics and typical sections for the preferred alternative; technical reports; and documentation of agency coordination and public involvement.
  • Volume III contains responses to comments on the draft EIS and the draft technical reports for the final EIS.
  • Final Environmental Impact Statement, August 2020

Volume I Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Volume II Final EIS appendices

Volume III Comments and Responses

Project history

Issues final EIS

Traffic related studies

Updated recommended Alternative Design Schematics- December 2019

Based on comments received during the draft EIS comment period and from continuing stakeholder input and coordination, TxDOT has revised the Proposed Recommended Alternative that was presented at the May 2017 public hearing. The revised alternatives for each project segment will be identified as the Preferred Alternatives in the final EIS, and will be the Preferred Alternative for the proposed North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).

The updated design schematics can be viewed at the links below.

Segment 1- December 2019:

Segment 2- May 2019:

Segment 3- May 2019:

  • Complete draft Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS)
  • Request public input on draft EIS and circulate for comment
  • Public hearing- May 9 and 11, 2017
  • Community meeting- May 15, 2017
  • Request public and agency input on Proposed Recommended Alternative
  • Fourth cooperating and participating agency meetings: April 22, 2015
  • Fourth public meeting: April 23, 28, and 30, 2015

Fourth scoping meeting documents:

 
Fourth public meeting documents- April 2015:

 

Proposed Recommended Alternative Conceptual Roadway Layouts and Typical Sections- April 2015:

  • Request public and agency input on Reasonable Alternatives
  • Third cooperating and participating agency meetings: Nov. 13, 2013 and Nov. 14, 2013
  • Third public meeting: Nov. 14 & 19, 2013
  • First phase of North Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) opens: December 2013

Third scoping meeting documents:

 

Third public meeting documents:

  • Develop Range of Project Alternatives
  • Develop Alternative Evaluation Methodology to assess impacts
  • Request public and agency input on Range of Alternatives and present approved Need and Purpose Statement and Agency Coordination and Public Involvement Plan
  • Second cooperating and participating agency scoping meetings: Oct. 10, 2012
  • Second public scoping meeting: Oct. 9 & 11, 2012
  • Analyze Range of Alternatives to determine Preliminary Alternatives to be studied in detail

Second scoping meeting documents:

Second scoping meeting documents:

 

  • Publish the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – Federal Register, Oct. 24, 2011; Texas Register, Oct. 14, 2011
  • Develop draft Need and Purpose Statement and draft Agency Coordination and Public Involvement Plan
  • Request Public and Agency Input on draft Need and Purpose Statement and draft Agency Coordination and Public Involvement Plan
  • First cooperating and participating agency scoping meetings: Nov. 14, 2011
  • First public scoping meeting: Nov. 15 and 17, 2011

First scoping meeting documents:

  • Community requests that the Highway Component of the North-Hardy Corridor Alternatives Analysis Report be set aside until the transit component is completed
  • Initiate North-Hardy Corridor Alternatives Analysis Report-Transit Component: July 28, 2003
  • Locally Preferred Transit Investment Strategy is approved by METRO Board and the voters: November 2003
  • Notice of Intent from FHWA, TxDOT, METRO & H-GAC partner to conduct North-Hardy Planning Studies and Environmental Impact Statement: January 9, 2002
  • Technical work sessions with consultant, METRO, TxDOT and H-GAC: May 6, 2002
  • Public review process with stakeholders from six North-Hardy segments and three general public meetings, culminating with the Stakeholder Advisory Committee.