Virtual Public Meeting - I-10 Inner Katy Corridor

Where:

Below is a link on that will provide guidance through a virtual public meeting room with pre-recorded video presentations (in English and Spanish). In addition, materials and links will be availble separately under the Downloads section of this page.

When:

The virtual public meeeting link will be available on this page on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at 5:30 p.m to Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Purpose:

The purpose of the virtual public meeting is to present the proposed projects to the public and receive comments. TxDOT and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County are working together to provide improvements to the Inner Katy Corridor which is generally located on I-10 between I-610 (the West Loop) and I-45 in Harris County, Texas. METRO proposes to construct dedicated busway lanes within the Inner Katy Corridor between the Northwest Transit Center and Downtown Houston. Two TxDOT projects are contained within this corridor: I-10 Inner Katy Drainage Improvements Project and I-10 Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project. The virtual meeting room will consist of a narrated presentations by the project team, project exhibits and other information and an opportunity to comment. Comments must be received on or before Wednesday, March 31, 2021, to be a part of the official meeting record.

Description:

METRORapid Inner Katy Project: The 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 within the corridor and impacts overall METRO service to destinations in West Houston and Downtown. The METRO-sponsored METRORapid Inner Katy Project proposes to construct a dedicated busway facility within the Inner Katy Corridor that connects the Northwest Transit Center to Downtown Houston. It would provide for enhanced Park & Ride service for the I-10 and US 290 corridors, as well as provide connectivity with 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.

Information on the two TxDOT projects is provided below.

TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Drainage Improvements Project:

The I-10 main lanes between I-610 and Patterson Street 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. As part of this project, a detention pond would be constructed on the north side of I-10 and west of the UPRR on Portwest Drive. The construction of the detention pond is currently not funded. Although additional right-of-way would be required, no residential or non-residential structures are anticipated to be displaced at this time. The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands.

TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project:

The Inner Katy Corridor (between I-610/West Loop and I-45) currently experiences congestion throughout the day where demand exceeds capacity. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has ranked I-10 from I-610 West 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 extending the Katy Freeway Managed Lanes from I-610 West to Downtown Houston. The TxDOT I-10 Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project is currently not funded for construction. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right-of-way and potentially displace ten non-residential structures. The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands. The proposed project would also involve an action in a floodplain.

Special Accommodations:

TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The virtual public meeting materials and exhibits will be in English. If you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can also be made to accommodate most needs. Please call TxDOT’s Public Information Office at (713) 802-5076 no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, to request special accommodations. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Memorandum of Understanding:

The environmental review, consultation and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.

Downloads:

I-10 Inner Katy Corridor General Information
I-10 Inner Katy Corridor Drainage Improvements Project
I-10 Inner Katy Corridor Managed Lanes Project

Contact:

Reference the following project numbers: CSJ 0271-07-325 and 0271-07-331

TxDOT Houston District
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 1386
Houston, Texas 77251
(713) 802-5076

Posted: Feb. 9, 2021

Project reference

CSJ 0271-07-327