October 24, 2007 Houston, Tunnels under I-45 proposed

Article published by the Chronicle in the Heights/Neartown News section.

Tunnels under I-45 proposed
Residents' coalition pushes for changes as congestion grows
By JENNIFER FRIEDBERG

Representatives of the I-45 Coalition sought the support of Houston City Council last week in asking the Texas Department of Transportation to consider building tunnels instead of adding high occupancy vehicle lanes on the interstate from downtown to Beltway 8.

While multiple City Council members voiced their support of the coalition, they also warned that they don't carry much weight with TxDOT. They urged the coalition to seek support from state representatives, senators and county commissioners, who could have more sway over the transportation agency. "They don't seem to really listen well to the community even though that's who they are supposed to work for," Council Member District D Ada Edwards said of TxDOT.

To ease congestion on I-45, TxDOT has proposed adding four HOV lanes on I-45 from downtown to Beltway 8 at a cost of $2.1 billion.

The nonprofit coalition does not want TxDOT to expand the existing right of way, but wants it to consider alternatives that would not adversely impact quality of life for residents in the Heights, Woodland Heights, Old Sixth Ward, Lindale Park, First Ward, Proctor Plaza and Northside Village.