The project aims to widen I-45 from downtown Houston to Beltway 8. The first phase focuses on drainage improvements along the St. Emmanuel corridor in East Downtown, according to TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez.
Segments 1 and 2 remain under discussion in community meetings. Construction on those segments is not expected to begin until after 2030.
Construction has faced opposition from community members who argue it will displace at least 1,000 homeowners and hundreds of business owners.
TxDOT has stated that they will work with affected residents and business owners regarding compensation and relocation.
The project will reroute I-45 in downtown and add additional lanes from Interstate 69 to the North Beltway.
The $13 billion project is expected to finish construction in 2042.
