Hempstead Road (West of Beltway 8 to East of Interstate 610)

Introduction

The Texas Department of Transportation is preparing a feasibility study for Hempstead Road, from West of Beltway 8 to East of I-610 in Harris County. The study crosses the city boundaries of Houston and Jersey Village and is approximately 9.5 miles long.

The goal of the Hempstead Road Feasibility Study is to investigate existing and future transportation needs and develop conceptual alternatives (options) to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility along Hempstead Road, while avoiding or minimizing negative impacts to the environment. The conceptual alternatives will offer solutions to enhance connections to I-610, improve access to adjacent property owners, address potential flooding and drainage issues.

The existing conditions of the corridor from Beltway 8 to Magnum Road include a 4-lane undivided roadway with no shoulders and an open drainage ditch system. Magnum Road to I-610 is a 6-lane divided roadway with a flush median and closed curb and gutter drainage system.

Project background

• The Hempstead Road Corridor is a major thoroughfare for the area providing access to multiple areas and roadways including Beltway 8, US 290 and I-610.
• The corridor is experiencing congestion and declining safety conditions due to the increased and continuing growth in the area.
  
• This feasibility study has been initiated to investigate ways to improve safety, accommodate future travel demand, meet current design standards, provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve drainage, and enhance regional multi-modal connectivity. 
  

Proposed improvements 

The first stage of this study is to gather public input and data related to the Hempstead Road Corridor. Therefore, there are no proposed improvements at this time. Feasible solutions for the corridor will be generated from the gathered data and the public input provided. Proposed improvement updates will be provided during upcoming planned public involvement events. 

Additional information

Up to three conceptual alternatives will be studied. Each conceptual alternative will offer solutions to meet future corridor needs while minimizing potential adverse impacts, major utility conflicts, structural impediments, and minimize the need for additional right-of-way (ROW) addressing the following: 

• Local access and safety improvements 
• Accommodating the existing Union Pacific Railroad corridor 
• Interface with existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane, managed lanes, and park-and-ride facilities along US 290 
• Accommodation of planned Dallas-Houston High Speed Rail and its terminus near I-610 interchange, planned Express Lanes (“REAL” lanes) with multimodal hubs, and any future cross street expansion as described in local thoroughfare plan
• Accommodation for a 50 foot wide High Capacity Transit Corridor separate from the High Speed Rail Corridor
• Accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians

Next steps

• Presentation of the existing conditions and gathering of public input – Public Meeting # 1 – late 2024
• Presentation of conceptual improvements based on public input and data collection – Public Meeting # 2 – early 2025

Get involved

• Public Meeting # 1 – late 2024
• Public Meeting # 2 – early 2025

Project Reference:
CSJ: 0912-72-633