Construction crews may not yet be visible, but work on a much anticipated reconstruction project along South Shaver Road is under way.
“Everything is on its way,” said Lauren Doak, director of special projects for the office of Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, District E. “Construction has started.”
Work on the $13.5 million project began June 17. Improvements include widening the road from four to six lanes with raised median, curb and gutter drainage, sidewalks, street lighting and improved underground utilities.
Martin’s office staff said signs have been posted along South Shaver Road notifying travelers of the impending construction from the Gulf Freeway to Texas 3. But anxious residents have called to voice concern over the lack of construction crews.
“We have received several calls regarding the public driving by and not seeing work,” said Allie Smart, Martin’s chief of staff. “The contractor has been performing surveys and other studies. It’s just not yet visible to the passer-by. ”
The project also includes stormwater capacity improvements for a portion of the Berry Bayou and a new detention pond.
Managed by the Texas Department of Transportation, the project is funded through the city of Houston’s Capital Improvement Plan and is scheduled for completion by early 2015.
The Houston City Council has adopted a $1.1 billion CIP plan for fiscal year 2013. Only about 3 percent of the funds will be spent in District E, which covers the Clear Lake and Kingwood areas.
The South Shaver Road reconstruction project is a Rebuild Houston initiative, which was created to improve drainage and street infrastructure through a dedicated pay-as-you-go fund.