Groundbreaking Ceremony for Gessner Road
Date: Thursday, January 5, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: In front of Jerry’s Cleaners (1636 Gessner Rd., Houston, Texas 77080)
Attendees: Council Member Brenda Stardig, Representative Dwayne Bohac, and representatives from Public Works & Engineering
Gessner Road is undergoing a new project (N-000809-0001) that provides for the design and construction of a six-lane divided concrete roadway with storm drainage, curbs, driveways, street lighting, traffic control, and necessary underground utilities. The street has deteriorated beyond normal maintenance. In addition to the street improvements, the project will also help to improve traffic circulation, mobility, and drainage.
This project, from Long Point to Neuens, is something that the community wanted for many years. “Traffic and drainage have been a problem along Gessner for a long time,” said Council Member Brenda Stardig. “It has become dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, and this project will help to improve mobility. My constituents have waited for this reconstruction for many years. It is time to move this project forward.”
Gessner is a major artery in Spring Branch that connects the community to the growing businesses in the area. The population in Spring Branch has increased significantly and is projected to continue with all of the new subdivisions and homes planned and under construction. The annual average daily traffic count in 2015 along Gessner was 40,993 and is projected to be 50,883 by 2040. With this increase, it will be more important than ever to make sure people can safely and easily get to and from home and work.
Trees have already been removed in preparation for this project to account for the new streets and medians. The arborist for the Houston Parks & Recreation Department reviewed each tree to make the determination of which were to be removed. While 50 trees were removed, 158 new trees will be planted on Gessner towards the end of the project’s completion. Per Public Works & Engineering, the trees that will replace those removed will be of similar size and type.
The Gessner reconstruction project from I10 to Long Point will begin soon. It will also include drainage and mobility improvements.