I-45 Widening Plan Nears the Finish Line in Houston

Dug Begley reports: "Three Houston Planning Department meetings scheduled for this week, days prior to a key state deadline, could prove pivotal in shaping how Interstate 45 is rebuilt — with ramifications for years to come."

The project up for discussion would realign and widen I-45 from downtown north to the Sam Houston Tollway, according to Begley. The city is proposing a suite of adjustments to the Texas Department of Transportation for the $7 billion project.

"State officials have spent nearly two decades planning for the eventual rebuild and are months away from the federal approvals needed," reports Begley. "If approved later this year or early 2021, construction could begin in 18 to 24 months."

Begley also provides details on the project as currently proposed.