CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Harris County Precinct 4Commissioner Lesley Briones announced round two of her “Crosswalks 4 Precinct 4” public safety initiative on March 6 at Morton Ranch High School, 21000 Franz Road in Katy. The program provides upgrades to crosswalks in high-traffic school zones identified through crash data and community input. While students are on spring break, Precinct 4 crews will repaint key crosswalks, curbs, and road markings at 12 school-zone locations in the Katy, Alief, Cy-Fair, and Houston Independent School Districts. During winter break 2025, Precinct 4 crews completed crosswalk improvements at 20 schools across unincorporated Harris County, including Tomball and Waller ISDs. “Our North Star is zero accidents and deaths on our roads. We have a lot of work ahead, and we are doubling down to get there. From restriping crosswalks to upgrading traffic signals and rebuilding sidewalks, we are investing in safer streets for our children and families. Safety does not take a break, and neither does your county government. At the end of the day, our goal is to keep your family safe,” said Commissioner Briones. Morton Ranch High School exemplifies the urgent need for these safety improvements, officials said. The campus sits along a “High Injury Network corridor” where, within one mile of the school, there have been three deaths and 19 serious injuries over the past five years. Following the press conference on Friday morning, Precinct 4 Road and Bridge crews began work on Morton Ranch High School’s crosswalks. “Commissioner Lesley Briones, thank you for your leadership and your partnership,” said Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele, City of Katy. “The City of Katy is proud to stand with Harris County Precinct 4 as we continue improving safety and quality of life for the families we jointly serve. Together, we are building not just infrastructure, but a safer, stronger community for everyone,” “We are so grateful for Commissioner Lesley Briones and the partnership we have,” said Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD Superintendent. “There’s nothing more important than getting our kids to school safely. And this is an example right here at Morton Ranch High School that we can work together in partnership,” “Every school day, thousands of students walk or bike near our campuses, and clearly marked crosswalks play an important role in helping them get to and from school safely,” said Chief David Rider, Katy ISD Police. “These improvements will support the work of our crossing guards, who are out here every day helping guide students safely across busy roadways.”
“Repainting the crosswalks may seem like a small change, but for students who walk to school every day, it makes a big difference. It’s encouraging to see local leaders listening to students and families and taking action to make our community safer,” said Henry Azie, a Morton Ranch High School student. Commissioner Briones is investing in infrastructure improvements across the precinct, including: · Building 75 miles of new sidewalks (Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4) · Rebuilding 12 traffic signals · Upgrading 300 traffic signs With the completion of the winter and spring break work, Precinct 4 will have updated over 100 crosswalks across 6 school districts, improving safety for over 30,000 students.