Challenge
As a major thoroughfare carrying over 42,000 vehicles daily, Gessner Road faced numerous problems, including drainage issues and traffic congestion. The area was prone to overland flooding, impacting mobility and safety. With federal funding secured for improvements, the project required strict compliance with TxDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards under the Local Government Projects Procedures (LGPP) process, adding regulatory complexity to the project.
Solution
The TIRZ 17/Memorial City Redevelopment Authority engaged our team to provide a comprehensive design for the reconstruction of Gessner Road. A detailed 2D hydraulic analysis identified significant overland flow issues. Key improvements included:
- Large 10-FT x 5-FT box culverts were installed to reduce flooding risks.
- Full reconstruction of the roadway, including replacing aging water lines that had exceeded their service life.
- Wider sidewalks with landscaping and hardscaping amenities.
- New theater district street and a new traffic signal at Westview Drive.
Benefit
The Gessner Road Improvement project delivered enhanced mobility and safety to one of Houston’s busiest corridors, reducing flood risks and enhancing quality of life for commuters, residents, and businesses.
