The I-45 Coalition was formed to address issues related to new potential construction in the area Interstate 45 near downtown Houston, Texas. We strongly believe that any construction or improvements on I-45 must comply with these 3 tenets:

  • No expansion beyond the existing right-of-way

  • Alternative means of transportation must be explored

  • No negative impact on the neighborhoods quality of life.
About Us TxDot Plans How You Can Help Calendar-Past & Upcoming Useful Links Press Articles Contact Us

Where are we right now?

Currently, the project should be in the Schematic Design & Environmental Phase.  This is the phase where TxDOT determines where exactly they would like to put the 12 lanes of traffic. Four (4) lanes going South, four (4) lanes going North (the main traffic lanes) and the additional 4 Managed Lanes.  This phase began in November 2005 and was supposed to take 2 to 3 years and will include several public meetings. 

However, in August 2005, Congress passed the SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS, known as SAFETEA-LU. This act went into effect in 2006.  Due to this act, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued new requirements  TxDOT must now comply with before they can continue on this project.    TxDOT must prepare a new “Purpose and Need Statement” and “Coordination Plan” before they can do anything regarding I-45.  This has temporarily stopped the I-45 process until they get the green light from FHWA.  The delay started around last year and is still continuing today.

Did you know?

If TxDOT spends our $2.1 billion (as TxDOT estimated in 2005 that their I-45 improvements would cost), traffic in the 8 lanes (4 lanes North and 4 lanes South) inside Loop 610 will travel at a whopping 35 mph on average. If they don’t spend our money, the same lanes will average 32 mph! A 3 mile per hour difference!
more

Current & Scheduled Events/Meetings

The following Meetings are tentatively scheduled. All Meetings are held at the Lindale Park Clubhouse, 218 Joyce (off of Fulton) in Lindale Park unless another location is designated. All interested folks are invited to attend, but please email or call to be certain a meeting is actually being held before you plan to attend. Meeting times are at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Tuesday, July 14, 2008

Tuesday, September 8, 2008

Tuesday, November 10, 2008

Tuesday, January 12, 2009

We don’t want this to
happen on I-45!

TxDOT’s Timeline
 

Recent Events

The I-45 Coalition presented the Houston City Council with
their support of the I-45 Tunnel & Parkway on 10/16/07. It was standing room only in Council chambers and our presentation was very well received. Council Members and the Mayor asked good questions and had valid comments & observations. Here are some of them:

  • CM Peter Brown said that TxDOT needs a friendly but firm message that we don’t want a Katy Freeway on I-45
  • CM Ada Edwards wants the City’s Transportation & Aviation Committee to take a closer look at the tunnel concept
  • CM Adrian Garcia as well as Edwards, Brown and Lovell said they are all willing to sign a letter to support TxDOT to fully explore the tunnel

We are planning to contact County Commissioners, State & Federal elected officials to further inform & educate everyone who will listen to why a tunnel would be a definite win-win for everyone in Houston.

Press Release to City Council - Tuesday, October 16, 2007