8 bridges crossing Buffalo Bayou could be studied for rehabilitation

Eight bridges that cross Buffalo Bayou in Houston could be studied for possible rehabilitation and replacement.

What is happening?

The Houston City Council has requested a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on eight bridges crossing Buffalo Bayou.

According to the May 29 agenda item, the study would focus on the feasibility of repairing and raising bridges, and determining preferred alternatives for bridge design and construction.

Project planning activities would include:

• Feasibility analysis
• Hydrological analysis
• Project development
• Stakeholder and community engagement

Based on the results of the feasibility study, USDOT will provide funds for the replacement, rehabilitation, preservation and/or protection of the bridge.

The goal of the study is to reduce the number of bridges in poor condition, but it also targets bridges in good condition that could deteriorate.

About the project

A representative from Council Member Mary Nan Huffman’s office representing District G, where many of the bridges are located, said the eight bridges are at four intersections, including northbound and southbound bridges at each intersection:

• Kirkwood Bridge
• Wilcrest Bridge
• Ashford Dairy Bridge
• Sabine Bridge

The study area extends 15 miles.

“During Hurricane Harvey, we know that on some of these streets, like Kirkwood and Wilcrest, it took weeks before people from the South Bayou could get to the North Bayou to try to find a way around.” , Huffman said at the May 29 council meeting. meeting. “This (study) will look at the feasibility of repairing and raising some of these bridges where it would not be a problem in another storm.”

Project financing

The grant for this project, according to USDOT, is $2 million, or 80 percent of the total project cost. The city of Houston would be responsible for 20 percent of the total project cost, or $500,000.

Stay tuned

Action taken by the City Council on May 29 included submitting the grant application to USDOT for the rehabilitation study. The grant has not yet been awarded.

The study would take about 15 months and could begin this summer, according to Engage Houston.