Construction is now underway on pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Ella Boulevard and Grovewood Lane, a project aimed at addressing long-standing safety concerns raised by neighborhood residents.
Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin announced the start of the work, which is being completed through a partnership between the City of Houston and Harris County Precinct 4. The project is funded jointly by the two entities, with Kamin allocating $60,000 in District C funds toward the upgrades.
“These upgrades make sure our children, families, and neighbors feel safe every time they use this intersection,” Kamin said. “We’ve had too many close calls, and for years parents and neighbors pleaded for a solution.”
The council member previously led efforts to redesign the intersection and hosted community meetings to gather feedback from residents.
Planned improvements include new and updated curb ramps, construction of sidewalks where gaps currently exist, ladder-striped crosswalks at all approaches and the installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) to increase pedestrian visibility.
Construction on curb, sidewalk and crosswalk elements began March 9. The flashing beacon will be installed in the coming months.
In addition to the improvements at Ella and Grovewood, Kamin said she has allocated more than $75,000 for additional pedestrian safety upgrades at the intersections of 11th Street and Shirkmere Road, as well as 11th Street and Shelterwood Drive. Those locations were identified with input from residents working with the District C office.
City officials and Harris County Precinct 4 representatives said they will continue to provide updates as construction progresses and emphasized their ongoing partnership to improve pedestrian safety across District C.