Houston, TX - Houston City Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Clear Lake residents aware Harris County Precinct 2 will begin the El Dorado Boulevard widening project by removing trees near the existing sidewalk along the western side of El  Dorado Boulevard, between Clear Lake City Boulevard and Horsepen Bayou, the week of Monday, July 29, 2019. The removal is expected to be completed within three weeks, weather permitting. 

On November 30, 2017, Council Member Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 hosted a public meeting to gather public input regarding the three alignment options for this widening project. The City of Houston continued to gather public input  through December 15, 2017. Following the public input period, Houston Public Works reviewed over 200 comments regarding the project. An overwhelming majority of residents were in favor of Alignment 3, which includes a 17-foot median, 12-foot driving lanes, and a 10-foot hike and bike path . Alignment 3 also has the least impact to trees.  On January 22, 2018, Council Member Martin published the  Project Status Report  in a  press release here . 

As there are over 1000 trees planted along this easement of El Dorado Boulevard, less than 10% will be removed. The tree removal process is necessary in order for  CenterPoint to begin relocating their power lines.  Crews will be on site, removing trees, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Following the tree removal and the relocation of the CenterPoint power lines, Harris County Precinct 2 will begin widening the roadway. 

All trees being removed will be replanted within the project boundaries, if not mor e . The 100 to 150 newly replanted trees will support the new landscape as well as decrease the need for maintenance on the newly installed hike and bike path. This new hike and bike path will not only improve connectivity in the area, but increase Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. 

Construction on the roadway is expected to begin early this fall and take 18 months to complete, weather permitting. This work  should not require any lane closures on El Dorado Boulevard.  A s a result of these activities, please be aware of pedestrian traffic control efforts to ensure pedestrian safety. The District E office will continue to provide updates throughout the duration of the project.