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Upper Kirby Update
August 3, 2012
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| Richmond Drainage Improvements: Connection Work at Kirby Making Headway |
Richmond 
Construction
Workers were able to shift traffic control this week though not to the extent expected. While crews were able to open the Audley/Richmond intersection and clear out traffic control west of Eastside, they were not able to open the Eastside/Richmond intersection as expected. A delay in receiving water line materials has pushed that activity back. It is expected that Eastside will be opened later this week.
The primary focus in the coming week will be work installing and connecting the junction box just west of Kirby. This is a time and labor intensive activity that will be ongoing over the next several weeks. Once complete, the section between Kirby and Lake will be able to be paved and opened to full vehicular access.
Traffic control currently extends between Eastside and Kirby as crews continue working on storm sewer installation between Virginia and Wakeforest and junction box installation at Kirby. Once Eastside water line work is complete the intersection will open up and traffic control can be removed east to the west side of Wakeforest. As the Kirby junction box is completed, traffic control will be removed between Kirby and Lake as well.
Currently, motorists heading eastbound with destinations on the north side of Richmond are having to u-turn at the Kirby intersection. A median opening should be restored to u-turn movements mid way between Lake and Wakeforest later today that should help with access to those destinations. There will be stop signs posted at this opening and we would advise motorists to approach u-turns here with great caution. Through traffic and left turn traffic at Lake street will remain closed until the connection at Kirby is completed.
Work on the Eastside lateral drainage lines is continuing to progress. South of Richmond the roadway has been paved and opened up save for the short stretch connecting to the Richmond intersection. This piece is also waiting on water line work prior to being fully restored. Crews will be demolishing south of this first pour to the cul-de-sac on Eastside at US 59 over the next week. Storm sewer work along this stretch and water line and restoration work on Norfolk will continue through August.
North of Richmond storm sewer work is complete and paving preparation will begin shortly. The goal is to have construction activity completely off of Eastside by the end of the month.
During all lateral work on Eastside and Audley, there will be just enough room for two-way traffic to pass. Please be sure to stay to the right as you pass the construction area to allow motorists traveling opposite you to proceed. Also be aware that no on-street parking will be permitted through the construction zone. Flagmen will assist in moving motorists safely through the construction area in these confined spaces.
The Richmond Drainage Improvement Project between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway is one of two remaining systems still needing upgrades that feeds into the recently updated Kirby storm system and moves water south to Braes Bayou. The project will entail the installation of a new 6-foot storm drain to provide additional underground capacity and upgraded lateral systems and inlets on Eastside and Audley all aimed at addressing the serious flooding issues this stretch of Richmond is known to experience.
Please be on the lookout for further updates as work progresses. 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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New Business Spotlight:
BB's Café Brings a Little French Quarter
to Upper Kirby |
With three successful Houston locations in Montrose, Downtown and The Heights, award-winning BB's Café will soon bring its popular Tex-Orleans cooking and ambiance to Upper Kirby at 3139 Richmond Avenue at Audley Street.
BB's "Tex-Orleans" menu is a fusion of food traditions that includes nearly two  dozen overstuffed signature po' boys on fresh French bread delivered daily, homemade gumbo, mounds of grillades and grits, creative appetizers and a newly expanded "Garden District" selection of healthy menu options including vegan dishes.
Just down the street from Greenway Plaza,BB's is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers happy hour specials, late-night dining, full-service special event catering plus corporate catering and bulk delivery to nearby offices.
Support Richmond Businesses Impacted by Construction
BB's Cafe is one of several unique and outstanding restaurants along Richmond that are dealing with the ongoing construction impacts.
The Queen Vic at 2712 Richmond offers a comfortable pub atmosphere where you can enjoy some of Houston's finest British and Indian inspired food. Sanoma Wine Bar and Restaurant at 2720 Richmond is a great gathering place where wine lovers and foodies can gather on the patio and enjoy good food and good wine in good company.
El Tiempo Cantina at 3130 Richmond offers far and away some of the best Mexican food available in a city that prides itself on great Mexican food.
The Velvet Melvin at 3303 Richmond has been an Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza establishment for years and continues to be one of the areas great neighborhood bars.
Jack in the Box at 3302 Richmond. Who doesn't like Jack in the Box? Please make the effort to support the restaurants and small businesses impacted by construction. It is the small businesses who are the hardest hit as necessary infrastructure replacement occurs. The eclectic mix of world-class dining and shopping options are one of the main reasons Upper Kirby is a great place live, work and visit. Please take the time to drop in and let them know they're worth a few extra minutes in traffic.
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