City of Houston approves controversial land sale to TxDOT for I-45 expansion

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The city of Houston has agreed to sell nearly three acres of land near downtown to TxDOT as part of the department’s expansion of Interstate 45.

The land is located along White Oak Bayou near the University of Houston-Downtown and will result in the construction of highway lanes on running trails and bike paths.

Mayor John Whitmire cast one of 11 votes in favor of the $261,051 sale at Wednesday morning’s City Council meeting.

District H Councilman Mario Castillo, who represents the area where the acreage is located, was one of four votes against. One of the main complaints against the sale is the impact the new roads will have on trail users, wildlife and the environment.

SEE ALSO: City of Houston plans to sell 2.99 acres to TxDOT for I-45 expansion

Supporters, including Whitmire, said construction would not remove the trails.

It was also stated that agreements between the city and TxDOT would ensure the trails remained open and maintained throughout construction.

That vote was supposed to take place last week but was delayed so council members could get more information. It was almost delayed for another week, but the vote finally took place.

Whitmire said he would have allowed additional delay, but he worried that would simply give groups opposed to the project an extra chance to speak out.

“We’re past that discussion,” Whitmire said of any plans to change elements of the project.

SEE ALSO: Neighbors, ‘Stop TxDOT I-45’ Fight for Remaining Parts of EaDo Housing Complex

Stop TxDOT I-45 opposed the entire expansion project and sent ABC13 a statement that read in part:

“We are disappointed in (Wednesday’s) vote and urge the Mayor and City Council to remain vigilant to ensure TxDOT provides assurance to keep the White Oak Bayou Trail open during and after construction.”

Construction on this portion is expected to begin in 2027, according to the TxDOT website.

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