North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP)

TxDOT just kicked off a big change for Houston’s highways. On October 16th, they held a groundbreaking ceremony to start work on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. They’re beginning with a drainage project in East Downtown. This isn’t just about fixing pipes – it’s the first step in a huge plan to reshape Houston’s highways and change how downtown looks. It’s a big moment for the city, marking the start of major changes to come.

Houston’s planning a big change for I-45 North. Instead of going through downtown, it’ll loop around using I-10 and US59/I69. They’re fixing up those highways too.

It’s a massive $13 billion project. TxDOT says it’ll take until at least 2038 to finish. That’s a long wait, but it could mean smoother driving in the future.

Mayor John Whitmire announced during the groundbreaking event at Pitch 25, in EaDo that they are addressing transportation issues of delaying them.

TxDOT estimates that the entire project will result in;

Reduced costs of $29 billion attributed to enhanced road safety and dependability.

Businesses have reaped $10 billion, in benefits.

There have been created than 90 thousand job positions.

A profit of $ 1B from community networking

The decrease, in idling and enhancement of air quality resulted in a $3B gain, in benefits.

TxDOT Commissioner Steven Alvis emphasized the importance of the North Houston Highway improvement project by stating that it is a game changing $13 billion initiative for transportation, in Texas.

There’s opposition also, to the plan as Stop TxDOT I-45 protestors showed up at the meeting led by community figure Erin Eriksen who expressed concerns about how expanding lanes would affect businesses and places of worship. Eriksen argued that increasing lanes wouldn’t solve traffic problems but create even more demand and lead, to congestion.

Danny Perez, from TxDOT highlighted that the focus of the project is on upgrading infrastructure from the 1950s & 1960s than just expanding roads. He mentioned that they are taking into account the growth in the region and input, from the community to create a transportation system that enhances mobility and prepares for expansion.

The drainage improvement project

The drainage improvement project totaling $121. 8 million was given to Harper Brothers Construction LLC, in Houston. Is planned to stretch along St. Emanuel Street from Buffalo Bayou to the McIlhenny Street intersection. Engineers will utilize rainfall data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to effectively address flooding issues.

The upcoming project will include setting up pipes pump stations detention areas and waterways. The Texas Department of Transportation expects that these improvements will lessen the impact of flooding, on 795-acres and protect 1,525 buildings from flood related damage.

The Texas Department of Transportation expects that these improvements will lessen the impact of flooding, on 795-acres and protect 1,525 buildings from flood related damage.

North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) Factsheet

Project Overview

Lead Agency: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Total Budget: $13 billion

Expected Completion: 2038 (at the earliest)

North Houston Highway Improvement Project Scope

Improve Interstate 45 North between Beltway 8 and Interstate 10

Reroute I-45 around downtown along I-10 and U.S. 59/Interstate 69

Improve portions of I-10 and U.S. 59/I-69

Transform city’s interstate highways and downtown area

First Phase: Drainage Improvement Project

Location: St. Emanuel Street from Buffalo Bayou to McIlhenny Street intersection

Budget: $121.8 million

Contractor: Harper Brothers Construction LLC (Houston-based)

Start Date: Mid-November 2024

Completion Date: 2027

North Houston Highway Improvement Project Expected Benefits

$29 billion in savings from improved road safety and reliability

$10 billion in business benefits

Creation of over 90,000 new jobs

$1 billion return on investment from enhanced community connectivity

$3 billion in benefits from reduced idling and improved air quality

Flood Mitigation

Reduce flooding by 795 acres

Prevent flooding of 1,525 structures

Utilize NOAA rainfall data for planning

Implement enlarged underground pipes, pump stations, new detention areas, and canals

Note on Construction Schedule

Construction will be halted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to avoid impacting downtown or EaDo events.