A feasibility study report developed in 2012 recommended five underpasses to replace railroad crossings on the east side of downtown Houston. Two of the recommended underpasses have been identified as the most viable to move forward at this time:
Commerce Street/Navigation Boulevard
· Reconstruct existing Navigation underpass
· Construct new Commerce underpass to intersect with Navigation underpass
· Construct new bicycle lanes and sidewalks
· Close railroad crossing at Hutchins
York Street
· Construct new underpass on York below three sets of railroad tracks
· Convert York and Sampson to two-way streets within project area
· Construct new bicycle lanes and sidewalks
· Close railroad crossing at Sampson between Rusk and McKinney
· Close railroad crossing at McKinney between York and Milby
· Close railroad crossing at Milby between Woodleigh and Polk
The purpose of these projects is to enhance safety, mobility, air quality, and emergency response time by eliminating at-grade railroad crossings. Completion of the projects will allow for a railroad quiet zone from Runnels Street to Leeland Street. Railroad crossings will not be closed until underpasses are open to traffic. Both projects will require limited additional right-of-way.
During an open house public meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Gulf Coast Rail District provided the following documents for public review:
Lyons Avenue
Documents from 2012 Improvements Study