TxDOT Planning Realignment of Interstate 45 in Downtown Houston

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently planning a significant realignment of I-45, which runs downtown. The plan could remove an elevated portion of the highway known as Pierce Elevated.

1 minute read

April 24, 2015, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gail Delaughter reports on the planning effort in Houston that could lead to large overhaul of I-45 between Beltway 8 North and downtown Houston. According to Delaughter, "[th]e biggest changes are planned for downtown Houston, where TxDOT is considering tearing down the Pierce Elevated and realigning the freeway."

According to Delaughter, the current plan would split the segment into three sections—the project map included with the post shows realignments occurring on I-45, US 59, and Pierce Elevated. The plan also includes "managed lanes between the Beltway and I-10, along with new frontage road lanes and a bike trail."

TxDOT is expecting to complete the environmental study for the project in early 2016, after initially announcing the planning effort in November 2013. Currently, TxDOT is hosting a series of public workshops [pdf] about the plan, with the most recent meeting taking place on April 23, 2015. Public comments will be open until May 14, 2015. The article linked below includes an embedded version of the full plan.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Houston Public Media

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

November 13 - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

November 13 - Chicago Sun Times

People watch as carbon dioxide is vented during a safety demonstration outside Nome City Hall in Jefferson Co.

As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks

Texas now issues permits for companies to store carbon dioxide underground. East Texas residents fear safety risks, and skeptics doubt the climate benefits.

November 13 - Texas Tribune

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.