Some commuters traveling on Houston Avenue for their morning drive may have noticed slight delays, potentially due to construction issues.
In December, city officials installed concrete medians and curbs along Washington Avenue and Lubbock Street on the bridge. However, these barriers have now been removed.
The improvements were initially aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety by reducing lane capacity and limiting turning options, according to Houston Public Works.
The removal of the barriers began in early February, with plans to restore normal operations and apply new asphalt, as per the agency.
City Council Member Mario Castillo, whose district encompasses the road section, emphasized the need to reconsider the improvements if they prove ineffective.
“Don’t waste taxpayer money,” Castillo urged.
Regarding the project’s cost, former council member Karla Cisneros allocated $100,000 from District H funds for the median project on Houston Avenue. However, the exact cost of removing the median remains undisclosed, despite inquiries made to the mayor’s office and public works by Eyewitness News.
Mayor John Whitmire expressed concerns about pedestrian safety and the impact on emergency responders. He emphasized the importance of listening to community feedback and reassessing the project to ensure everyone’s safety and input are considered.
