Westridge & Braes Terrace Improvement Project

We are making progress towards awarding the contract for the commencement of construction. As part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we will be hosting a virtual community meeting before construction begins. Please stay tuned for further details and formal notice regarding the meeting.

Although we've been planning improvements in the Westridge and Braes Terrace Area for a while, only the design and construction for the first phase was funded in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP covers infrastructure needs in Houston over five years. The CIP projects are prioritized based on funding and needs and gets updated and approved by Council yearly.

To make sure we use funds efficiently, we're proposing an implementation plan that aligns with the CIP's revenue and current approval. The phases for street improvements are scheduled for later years. However, waiting for funds for these phases might delay the first phase (Drainage Improvements). So, we're recommending moving ahead with the approved design for Phase 1 to avoid delays. This plan aims to deliver these projects as quickly as possible while considering the money we expect to have for the next five years.

In addition to what we've discussed earlier, getting approval for the designs of Phases 2 and 3 takes two to three years to develop. Once the design is complete, contractors will need to be selected to get the work started. However, for Phase 1, construction will begin in early 2024.

The plan we're recommending does consider the money we expect to have for the next five years, so moving forward with construction for Phase 1 is the quickest way to get this entire project done.

It's important to note that a previous prioritization method model, which focused on 'worst first,' hasn't been used since 2016. Some challenges we've faced in finding good drainage solutions, like in the Westridge neighborhood, were due to this approach. However, our department is committed to sticking to the budget outlined in the five-year plan while implementing this proposed plan.

The main fix for the neighborhood's drainage issues is in Phase 1, set for construction in early 2024. This project includes improvements to the existing main storm line including adding some needed inlets to upgrade the neighborhood's drainage system.

When we design Phases 2 and 3, our commitment is to assess the paving slopes and other drainage infrastructure needed to manage regular rain events better. Even though the funding for water line upgrades comes from a different source and wasn't part of the initial plan, we'll collaborate with Houston Water. When we're already working on the road, we'll take the opportunity to replace old utility lines.

At the September 27th, 2023, meeting, only Phase 1 was presented, so individual requests through the Mayor's Office for ADA concerns were the way to make specific improvements with our limited budget across the city. But now, Phases 2 and 3 are programmed and we're actively working on them. So, the community doesn't need to submit more applications.

As we design Phases 2 and 3, we'll share the previously submitted applications from the neighborhood with our design consultants. This extra information may help address your concerns. However, our approach aims to create a completely new and well-planned pedestrian network on all streets, meeting the latest ADA requirements.

We heard you! We are pleased to deliver the paving and drainage improvements for your neighborhood. The Improvement project will include three phase. The first phase will be the drainage rehabilitation and the street improvements will subsequently be constructed in phases two and three (subprojects) and will include the following:

• Remove and replace all curb + gutter and driveway aprons

• Remove and replace inlets and leads (as needed) with better roadway grade

• New sidewalks on both sides of streets

• New streetlight system and poles

• New concrete pavement

For timeline and project details, click the link below. Thank you!

https://www.engagehouston.org/21328/widgets/69652/documents/48766

Thank you to those who participated in our project information meeting on September 27^th. In case you missed it, the meeting recording is posted on the right side of this project page. There was a lot of great feedback and questions about this project. Below are the highlights of the most frequently asked questions. This very important project is an ongoing effort, and we welcome your feedback. Continue to stay engaged and receive updates about this project by subscribing to this project page. We appreciate your patience and thank you for engaging with us!

Why did my project change?

The project did not change it was always planned as a Drainage Improvement Project. We are required to analyze the drainage based on the current drainage design criteria (ATLAS 14), which represents increased rainfall intensity rates. The results concluded that the planned drainage improvements were not effective.

Why are we not getting new streets and sidewalks?

The Drainage Improvement Project will not impact the existing streets; therefore, replacement is not part of this project. Houston Public Works does have rehabilitation programs and we are currently investigating options that can address your requested improvements. Houston Public Works will notify the community when those options are made available.

Can we get streetlights now?

Yes, you can request an assessment and update for the streetlights. The application was shared with District K for further coordination. Again, one application is needed to start the process.

Thank you for your comments on the Westridge Drainage and Paving Project. In 2013, a planning meeting was held with the community. At that time, the plan was to replace the existing 120-inch line with a larger box culvert. Since the existing line is located between the homes and has numerous encroachment and construction access issues, the initial plan was to build the new system under the pavement. Due to the new improvements, the project also included pavement reconstruction to the city standards. Since then, the updated drainage design criteria (ATLAS 14) prompted a new drainage analysis of the project area. The results determined that replacing the existing storm line no longer provided significant drainage improvements due to the drainage area flooding influenced by the existing conditions of Brays Bayou. To ensure the existing drainage system continue to provide service, the project was modified to a rehabilitation of the existing storm within in the easement. The rehabilitation drainage project will not impact the streets; however, we are investigating pavement options in the project area. We will provide additional updates on the findings as they become available.