An approximately $30 million project aims to improve stormwater drainage and mobility on Chimney Rock between the Southwest Freeway and Westheimer. <\/p>\n
HOUSTON, Texas \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
“I know we’re moving expeditiously to get this project done,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. \u00a0“This is when the federal government and the state government and county and city work together.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It’s a solution to flooding concerns and what should be a noticeable improvement for drivers.<\/p>\n
“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. \u00a0“Right now, the existing conditions are horrible.”<\/p>\n
Not only will the roadway see major changes, so will nearby Anderson Park which will eventually include stormwater collection areas.<\/p>\n
Other enhancements are also planned for the park as part of the overhaul.<\/p>\n
“There will be some short-term pain when they reconstruct it,” said longtime area homeowner Edward Taravella.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Any impact on businesses remains to be seen but officials said public engagement meetings will take place in advance of actual construction.<\/p>\n
That’s not expected for another year or so.<\/p>\n