How much does the bridge rebuild cost the City of Houston?
More than $4,032,626!!!
Wait, doesn’t TXDOT fund highways and bridges?
Generally TXDOT is in charge of funding highways, but in the late 1950s and early 1960s the City of Houston took on the expense of funding and owning the Brazos section of the 527 SPUR projects. In 2004-2006 the state paid for renovation of Louisiana and Travis exits but left the Brazos bridge alone for the city’s responsibility.
How is this rebuild project being funded?
The City is using drainage funds to re-build the bridge. These funds are supposed to be used to address flooding issues around Houston. Rebuilding the bridge will not reduce the flooding issue, which is supposed to be the primary use of the drainage funds.
What about the other capital projects in the area? Isn’t this a potential waste of funds?
That’s right, there are at least 3 capital improvement projects in the area that are in works over the next 3 years. If the Brazos Bridge is rebuilt, this configuration would change again in a few years. The projects in works are:
- 72″ water main replacement along Holman Street
- Re-imagination of Lower Westheimer
- TxDOT redesign of I-45/59
Help! If Brazos bridge is removed, how do I get to Midtown and Montrose?
Most of the 527 SPUR is still in service. On the Brazos bridge section, concrete started falling from the bridge in 2019, remember that net that was below the bridge? That was to protect heads and cars from falling concrete chunks! The Brazos section of the SPUR was removed from service in July 2019 and demolished in November 2019. You can still exit 59 the same way, you just take TRAVIS or LOUISANA exits. From Travis, you can take Alabama for Montrose action or keep going and Louisiana will take you further into Midtown.
But what if Bagby doesn’t connect to 59 anymore? How do I get to the highway?
SMITH or MILAM are a great way to get to 59. A recent traffic study conducted by the City of Houston Public Works Department says SMITH actually has enough capacity to take all of Bagby’s highway-bound vehicles. The merging point intersection of Smith and Bagby to the 59 on-ramp is also super confusing with the offset traffic signals and nobody really knowing whose turn it is to go. Some people get confused by the lane markings and end up in the neighborhood west of Bagby through that hidden entrance. Numerous serious accidents between cars AND pedestrians and bicyclists have occurred in that corner where Bagby, Smith, Holman, and the 59 On-ramp merge in a very awkward design.
Tell me more about the park idea.
There is a serious lack of parks in Midtown and Montrose neighborhood. We are getting a mini-park on Westheimer and Stanford, but right now, we don’t have many options that are walkable. The area currently under the Brazos bridge could be transformed into another green space that would be maintained by the city.
Isn’t this just a rich-person plan?
What?!? Parks are for EVERYONE! Midtown and Montrose have always been full of people of various backgrounds, beliefs, lifestyles, and income levels. Plus, 100% of dogs like more greenspaces and 100% of cats like seeing birds and squirrels in trees and appreciate less road noise! Parks are places for renters and homeowner humans alike to get out and enjoy some grass and trees. Construction of the 527 SPUR in the 50s/60s has contributed to breaking up historic neighborhoods and a loss of inter-neighborhood cohesiveness. Opening up a park in this area will help to bring the diverse neighborhoods of Montrose and Midtown back together.
What about the homeless?
Yes, Houston sadly has a large homeless problem. More city parks doesn’t change that either way. However, since a park costs less to build and maintain than the bridge, maybe the City can use some of the leftover money to help address some of the systemic issues leading to homelessness. The city has committed to keep up policing of the area so that the park remains a safe space for all.
Who approves of the park construction?
So far more than 1500 people have signed a petition (and you can too, see links above). As soon as Brazos bridge was demoed, many people started seeing potential in repurposing the space instead of rebuilding. Preservation Houston, Bike Houston, and many local neighborhood associations think a new park is a much better idea than the bridge rebuild. The City Council provide input to the Mayor, and the Mayor will make the final decision. Many supporters have yet to contact their Council Members. It is critical that they are aware of the support for this new plan.
Who opposes this plan?
Mostly people who think traffic will be disrupted by this change. However, most hadn’t realized that Smith can handle Bagby’s traffic and that the other exits off the Spur will remain in service and continue to work just as before. The City has conducted traffic studies justifying this. The entries onto 59 will still remain, none of that would be changed. Some business owners are concerned that they will be negatively impacted, but we believe a more bikeable and walkable neighborhood will actually be beneficial to local businesses.