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May 13, 2024
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) announced the launch of the Washington Avenue Corridor Study (WACS), aimed at enhancing safety and mobility in the Washington Avenue area. This project targeted Washington Avenue, Center Street, and Westcott Street, pivotal thoroughfares in the region.
The WACS initiative is scheduled to conclude in 2025 and builds upon the groundwork laid by previous initiatives such as the Livable Centers Study and extensive community engagements.
The WACS's primary objectives include promoting the development of multimodal transportation options, enhancing safety measures, optimizing traffic flow, alleviating congestion, and improving air quality. The study aims to preserve the corridor's historic charm while nurturing a sustainable and livable neighborhood environment.
A significant portion of the corridor falls within the City of Houston's "High Injury Network," with pedestrian safety being a particular concern due to limited safe crossing points. Over the past five years, the corridor has witnessed over 1,000 crashes, resulting in more than 350 injuries, including 19 serious injuries and one fatality. Speeding and unsafe lane changes emerged as predominant contributing factors to these incidents.
A concentrated examination identified several crash hotspots, notably a 7-block segment of Washington Avenue between TC Jester Blvd. and Durham Dr., which experiences a large number of crashes, particularly late-night incidents and pedestrian-related accidents. Pedestrians within the study area are 28 times more likely to sustain serious injuries compared to other crash victims.
H-GAC hosted the first public meeting for the Washington Avenue Corridor Study on May 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Memorial Elementary Cafeteria. The meeting featured a detailed presentation, a question-and-answer session, and interactive activities aimed at soliciting valuable feedback.
The presentation focused on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the corridor, exploring alternative solutions, and addressing accessibility needs.
For those who couldn't attend the May 11 meeting, the project team will present at the May Super Neighborhood 22 meeting on May 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church. Additionally, virtual feedback can be provided via the project engagement website.
We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of transportation in the Washington Avenue area. Together, we can create a safer, more accessible, and vibrant community for generations to come.