More Lanes, More Choices
With all of Uptown Houston's strengths, it also faces challenges - mobility and traffic. Uptown is working to address and improve accessibility on four fronts:

• Regional highway improvements
• Local mobility improvements
• Pedestrian improvements
• Transit improvements

The good news is that plans are in place, funding is secured and construction is well underway, with many projects already completed. These improvements will fundamentally change the way we commute in Houston and provide commuters with "More Lanes, More Choices," making Uptown one of the most accessible and convenient locations in the city.

Regional Highway Improvements
Some of the regional improvements that have been proposed or are already underway include upgrades to the West Loop, Katy Freeway and the Grand Parkway, as well as the new Westpark Tollway, Fort Bend Parkway and Northwest Toll Road.

The reconstruction of the West Loop and the new Westpark Tollway will have a significant impact on Uptown and commuters. To learn more about the reconstruction of the West Loop and the new Westpark Tollway projects, see Road Construction.

Local Mobility Improvements
Making the area convenient and accessible for everyone will take more than regional improvements. A $235 million Uptown Local Street Improvement Program is already underway, which will ease congestion and increase traffic flow in the area. With dedicated funding and plans in place, the program focuses on improving and connecting local streets, as well as on pedestrian and transit enhancements.

Easing Congestion
To ease congestion, Uptown Houston is working to improve major thoroughfares including Westheimer, Post Oak Boulevard, Sage, San Felipe, Richmond and Chimney Rock.

Connecting the Community
To provide alternate routes and additional traffic flow, Uptown Houston is taking some of the less traveled roadways and improving, expanding and interconnecting them with major arteries. These streets include McCue, Guilford, Uptown Park Boulevard, Hallmark, Ambassador Way, Hollyhurst and Lynn.

Rebuilding Streets
Along with easing congestion, Uptown Houston is committed to rebuilding and replacing streets throughout the area.

Walking in Uptown
In addition to making it easy to drive in the area, we want to make life easier for pedestrians, encouraging people to park once and walk to their destinations. This program will add more sidewalks and walkways, connecting neighborhoods to office and retail locations as well as increasing access to neighborhood transit options.

Making Connections
People who work, live and play in Uptown also need a variety of alternatives to get to, from and around the area. Therefore, Uptown Houston is exploring ways to make connections and tap into transit. Uptown Houston is working with METRO on possible HOV lanes, carpool and vanpool facilities and on creating a transit corridor to serve Uptown's needs.

There are more than 50 miles of HOV lanes and bus ways that pass by Uptown, but are not connected to Uptown. With the creation of the Uptown Transit Corridor, via Post Oak Boulevard, Uptown can tap into existing transit service.