Mayor Speaks at Groundbreaking for METRO’s Westheimer Improvement Project

HOUSTON (KIAH) – A major development for the City of Houston occurred Tuesday, as METRO joined forces with Mayor John Whitmire to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Westheimer Improvement Project near downtown.

The $12 million project will repair the roadway along the 19-mile stretch, making life easier for commuters along Westheimer Route 82 from Loop 610 to downtown Houston.

Mayor Whitmire spoke about the project, saying it is a “new start” toward repairing the city’s infrastructure. Before he was sworn in in January, he campaigned on plans to improve public safety and street conditions. “Any decision we make to develop or change infrastructure will be made with a customer-focused mindset and a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources,” Whitmire said.

The collaboration began in April, with the initial plan to repave only the curb lanes for buses. The project eventually expanded to include resurfacing the entire street. Aside from infrastructure, the project will add 50 new bus stops, new sidewalks and curb ramps.

Elizabeth Gonzales Brock, chair of METRO’s board of directors, said the partnership is “just the beginning of (their) work together to provide safer, cleaner and more accessible service.” The project is expected to be completed in 2026. Parts of Westheimer near Weslayan Street are already under construction, so be aware of traffic in this area. To check on the project’s progress and receive updates, visit METRO’s website or follow them on X. You can watch the full inauguration on the METRO Houston YouTube channel.