If you’re hoping to catch a home game at NRG Stadium this football season, you may need to build some extra time into your travel plans. Earlier this month, work began on a project to lengthen the Stella Link Bridge in southwest Houston, which serves as a major thoroughfare for drivers traveling in and out of NRG park.
This bridge expansion constitutes a major step forward in a plan to significantly reduce flooding along the Brays Bayou.
This plan, which was introduced in November of last year, involves widening 21 miles of Brays Bayou to provide additional flood protection to nearby neighborhoods. Once complete, Project Brays is expected to reduce the number of structures at risk of a 100-year flood from 16,800 to 1,800.
In the meantime, however, road crews will be expanding the Stella Link Bridge, Ardmore Bridge and Buffalo Speedway Bridge to facilitate the flow of stormwater in south central Harris County. Work on the Ardmore Bridge is slated to begin in august, and work on the Buffalo Speedway Bridge will begin when the Stella Link Bridge expansion is finished. The Stella Link expansion alone could take up to a year to complete.
In addition to causing travel delays for Texans fans, the bridge construction may also disrupt traffic to and from the Texas Medical Center. By staggering the three bridge expansions over the course of several months, the Harris County Flood Control District hopes to keep these traffic disruptions to a minimum. Currently, the northbound side of the Stella Link Bridge is closed and all traffic has been rerouted to the southbound side of the bridge.
I’m glad to come across this blog post highlighting the expansion of the Stella Link Bridge in southwest Houston. It’s great to see that efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and address the issue of flooding along the Brays Bayou. The plan to widen 21 miles of the bayou to provide additional flood protection is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of nearby neighborhoods.
While the construction work may cause some inconvenience for travelers, I appreciate the long-term benefits that it will bring in terms of reducing the number of structures at risk of flooding. The projected reduction from 16,800 to 1,800 structures at risk of a 100-year flood is truly remarkable and showcases the positive impact of such infrastructure projects.
The fact that the expansion of the Stella Link Bridge is just one component of the overall plan, with additional bridges like the Ardmore Bridge and Buffalo Speedway Bridge also being part of the initiative, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to stormwater management in south central Harris County.
I understand that the expansion process may take some time, with the Stella Link expansion alone potentially lasting up to a year. However, it’s important to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community. I’m grateful for the efforts being made to facilitate the flow of stormwater and enhance flood protection.
Thank you for sharing this update on the infrastructure improvements and flood mitigation efforts in the area. It’s encouraging to see the proactive measures being taken to address these challenges and create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.