An approximately $30 million project aims to improve stormwater drainage and mobility on Chimney Rock between the Southwest Freeway and Westheimer.
HOUSTON, Texas — A project years in the making along a very busy stretch of Chimney Rock Road is finally accelerating thanks to a recent vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court.
“I know we’re moving expeditiously to get this project done,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. “This is when the federal government and the state government and county and city work together.”
That vote paves the way for approximately $30 million in funding to rebuild the drainage system along and underneath Chimney Rock between the Southwest Freeway and Westheimer.
It’s a solution to flooding concerns and what should be a noticeable improvement for drivers.
“The surface of Chimney Rock will be completely redone from right-of-way line to right-of-way line,” said Don Huml with the St. George Place Redevelopment Authority. “Right now, the existing conditions are horrible.”
Not only will the roadway see major changes, so will nearby Anderson Park which will eventually include stormwater collection areas.
Other enhancements are also planned for the park as part of the overhaul.
“There will be some short-term pain when they reconstruct it,” said longtime area homeowner Edward Taravella.
Taravella also sits on the civic association board and believes it’s the kind of project where drivers and others should focus on the long run.
“People are just going to have to live with it for a year or two but I think after a year or two they’re going to find that it’s a much improved roadway,” said Taravella.
Any impact on businesses remains to be seen but officials said public engagement meetings will take place in advance of actual construction.
That’s not expected for another year or so.
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