Drive through the Spring Branch District on any given day, and you will see lots of things happening — from new businesses moving in, existing ones making improvements, housing developments in the works, gorgeous landscaping popping up and — everyone’s favorite — roadwork and drainage projects possibly adding a little crimp in your daily commute but making the area better in the long-term.

We would like to draw your attention to seven projects that we think anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the Spring Branch area should follow in 2019.

The Spring Branch District will be kicking off these projects with a special public meeting this Monday, March 4, at 6 p.m. at Karbach Brewery, 2032 Karbach St., Houston, TX 77092. We hope you can join us for refreshments and conversation.

In the meantime, here is a little refresher on the projects we will be discussing:

Spring Branch Trail Study

This is a multi-year, regional trail project to construct a concrete trail connection between the existing Addicks Reservoir Bike Trail to the west and the White Oak Bayou Greenway to the east, using an existing CenterPoint easement.

Numerous schools, parks and neighborhoods will have direct, convenient access to the trail, which in Spring Branch alone will be more than 7 miles long!

Spring Branch Trail Phase 1

The first phase of the Spring Branch Trail project will extend from Blalock Road to just west of Wirt Road, featuring a planned 10-foot-wide concrete trail with safe street crossings and convenient neighborhood connections.

Several of our schools will have access to the trail, including Buffalo Creek Elementary, Edgewood Elementary and Landrum Middle School. Plans call for construction to start in late 2019/early 2020.

Long Point Road Mobility and Landscape Pilot

No doubt you’ve heard about “Reimagining Long Point Road” by now as this has been a primary focus of the Spring Branch Management District board. This pilot will test the concept of converting Long Point’s existing four thru-lanes (two in each direction) to three lanes (one in each direction, with a continuous center left-turn lane).

The pilot will assess whether the new street reconfiguration will provide safer vehicular access and a safer passage for pedestrians along the corridor.

Look for new pavement markings, signage and other traffic devices to help during the pilot. Also look for special landscape installations utilizing additional space for sidewalks and other pedestrian amenities allowed by the reduction of one traffic lane.

The pilot is expected to last 9 to 12 months starting in the second half of 2019.

Where will this all happen? From (1) Conrad Sauer Drive to Blalock Road, and (2) from Pech Road to Hempstead Highway.

Long Point Road Art Program

The Spring Branch Board is very excited to bring “art to Long Point” in the form of several sculptures temporarily installed on both public and private property along Long Point Road.

Each art piece will be specifically curated for this project by a local artist. And, should you like what you see, all art pieces will be for sale, with part of the proceeds going back to fund the art program.

Expect to see art showing up on Long Point Road between Gessner Road and Hempstead Highway in mid-2019. Each installation will remain there about nine months and then rotate.

Gessner Road Drainage and Beautification Improvements

Two projects on Gessner will add significant improvements to this major thoroughfare, including drainage and beautification.

The first project will be to landscape and beautify the medians between Long Point and Kempwood, starting in early 2019 and completed by mid-2019.

The second project is a drainage and beautification project from I-10 to Long Point that will be a complete street reconstruction and provide storm water storage capacity under the roadway. It will also add special lighting and landscaping.

Look for construction to commence on the second project in late 2019/early 2020. It should take under 24 months to complete.

Haden Park Improvements

Preliminary design has been completed for this existing 13-acre park located at the northeast corner of Long Point and Witte Road. The project will include major improvements, especially to the undeveloped southern portion of the park along Long Point proposed as a “community park.” Plans for this area include a small and large dog park, event lawn and stage, off-street parking, restrooms, a community garden, tennis courts and other amenities.

Fundraising for Phase 1 will start in mid-2019.

I-10 Corridor Planning (TxDOT Health in Transportation)

TxDOT Houston District is leading the way on this project to incorporate strategies in Corridor Planning that enhance health and safety with a focus on pedestrians, cyclists and transit patrons. The needs and priorities of seniors, as well as safe routes for children, will have special consideration.

Do you live, work, or go to school in the Spring Branch area? Join us to learn about these exciting projects happening in 2019 and participate in the conversation about making our community even greater.

Join us!
Monday, March 4 @ 6-8PM
Karbach Brewery, 2032 Karbach St., Houston, TX 77092