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| June in the Upper Kirby District |
Upper Kirby Construction
The Month Ahead
|  Upper Kirby roadway reconstruction continues this month along Kirby Drive between Richmond and US 59 as well as on Buffalo Speedway between US 59 and Bissonnet. Wakeforest roadway construction is now complete allowing for unhindered vehicular movement between Richmond and US 59.
Buffalo Speedway Construction Once complete, the Buffalo Speedway reconstruction project will relocate all overhead utilities underground, the four-lane roadway will be repaved as a six-lane roadway to address the serious congestion issues along this stretch, the storm sewer system will be upgraded and a complete streetscape will be implemented to include pedestrian lighting, enhanced sidewalks and crosswalks, pedestrian amenities and improved landscaping and irrigation.
One lane in either direction is currently being maintained along the west side of the roadway with a continuous left turn maintained in the center. Southbound traffic should expect to continue to be transitioned from two lanes to one lane just south of US 59 and northbound traffic should expect a similar shift to the west just north of Bissonnet.
It is possible that the traffic configuration will change during the month of June so stay tuned for periodic Buffalo Speedway updates as the month progresses.
The Month Ahead
Crews completed primary underground duct bank construction at the end of April as per the original schedule, however, crews were put on hold for several weeks while waiting on necessary CenterPoint gas relocations and overhead terminal pole installations and are currently a month behind schedule.
Next week, crews will turn over the underground facilities to CenterPoint to make transfers of overhead services to the new underground ducts. The time it takes CenterPoint to complete this work is unknown but estimated at anywhere from 45 to 90 days. During that period, no roadwork can occur. Upper Kirby staff will be working closely with the contractor on options to minimize the impact of this down time to local businesses and motorists. The completion date of the utility companies' work will dictate the roadway reconstruction schedule, so watch for further schedule and sequencing updates in the coming weeks.
The goal for completion of the entire reconstruction of Buffalo Speedway was originally November 2011. Due to the delays experienced thus far and the uncertainty of the duration of the utility phase of the project, it is unlikely that that goal will be realized. Upper Kirby and project contractors and engineers will be examining options to recapture lost time over the coming weeks.
Kirby Drive Construction Construction on Kirby Drive will resume next week under an accelerated schedule in an attempt to recapture time lost during the utility transfer phase of the project. If weather conditions allow, this accelerated schedule will maintain the original completion date of November 2011.
The Month Ahead
Crews will begin work next week demolishing the roadway in preparation for repaving activities. Existing construction barriers will remain on the west side of the roadway over the next several months as paving work commences.
Motorists should expect four lanes to remain unobstructed as utility crews proceed with the removal of overhead poles and as paving work continues later this month. Southbound motorists should expect the curbside lane approaching Richmond to remain right-turn-only throughout this phase.
This section of Kirby Drive is scheduled to be substantially complete in November 2011.
For more information on Upper Kirby construction projects and for issues and concerns as construction progresses, contact Travis Younkin at 713-524-8000 or email travis@upperkirby.org.
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Green Office Education
Don't Miss the Third Installment Workshop of the Green Office Challenge!
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Greenway Plaza and Upper Kirby District have joined forces with the Uptown Houston to host the third of six Houston Green Office Challenge training workshops for area Commercial Property Owners, Property Managers and Commercial Building Tenants.
These workshops are aimed at improving recycling and waste management practices in your building or business. The subject of this third installment will be Reducing Water Use and Alternative Energy. The presentation will be made by representatives from our sponsors at Shell, Siemens and Calpine.
An informal luncheon will be provided, so please join us to learn how to reduce water use and about additional power options available to you through wind, solar and other renewable energy forms!
When: Monday, June 13
Time 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Uptown Houston District
1980 Post Oak Boulevard
Conference Room, Suite 1580
(Parking will be validated)
Please RSVP to Linda Gilliam at 713-524-8000 or email linda@upperkirby.org .
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New to the Upper Kirby Area?
Did you Know Security Patrol Services are Available?
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In 1989, the businesses and residents of the Upper Kirby District were concerned about the increased criminal activity in the area. As a result, a supplemental security patrol was formed to serve Upper Kirby area businesses and participating residents.
Since August 1991, Upper Kirby District businesses and residential neighborhoods have been patrolled by employees of Harris County Precinct One Constable's Patrol Division under the supervision of Constable Jack Abercia. The patrol is coordinated with Precinct One by Upper Kirby Management District.
The businesses and residents who help to underwrite the patrol have access by telephone to Precinct One's central dispatch. They are reporting suspicious persons and incidents to the deputies and as a result, potential criminal incidents are being thwarted. As more residents participate in the patrol, the downward trend in crime in our neighborhood will continue.
The following services are provided by the Precinct One program:
- 24 hour central dispatch.
- Uniformed, armed deputies who are certified police officers, licensed by the state to enforce the laws of Texas.
- Distinctly marked, emergency law enforcement vehicles.
- Central dispatch telephone number provided upon receipt of registration.
- Generally close to a five minute response time.
- Residential vacation watches.
- Business special watches.
- Response to burglar alarm when notified by alarm company.
- Traffic control - as certified police officers, the deputies can respond to and issue citations to reckless, speeding or thoughtless drivers.
- Residential security checks: - A time can be scheduled for a deputy constable to visit your residence to discuss how you can better prevent criminal activity on your premises.
If you are interested in signing up for Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Patrol services, residential contracts and additional information can be downloaded here, or, please call 713-524-8000.
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| If you have a new business, development or community event that you would like included in the monthly Upper Kirby news, please contact us at 713.524.8000 or submit to streettalk@upperkirby.org
Requests will be posted subject to space availability and appropriateness of content. |
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