A coalition of 76 Montrose organizations and businesses, organized under Friends of the Boulevard, has formally requested that safety improvements be built into the city’s reconstruction plan for West Alabama Street. The coalition addressed its letter to the City of Houston and the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) board, highlighting a record of nearly 500 crashes on the corridor between 2018 and 2024.
Key safety recommendations
The coalition’s proposal includes several proven street‑design measures intended to protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorists while preserving traffic flow:
- Install pedestrian islands in the center lane, while keeping dedicated left‑turn pockets where needed.
- Provide a safe crossing every 500–600 feet along the corridor.
- Adjust traffic‑signal timing to give pedestrians a head start, ban right‑turn‑on‑red movements, and design signal cycles for a 30 mph travel speed.
- Construct sidewalks at least six feet wide, expanding to seven or eight feet where mature trees and space allow.
- Identify and fund a parallel bike route as part of the Montrose Greenways study.
Community backing
“West Alabama is a civic spine for Montrose, connecting homes, businesses, schools, parks, libraries and cultural institutions,” said Alexander Spike, spokesperson for the coalition. “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to build a street that works safely for everyone.” Spike emphasized that the recommendations are practical, cost‑effective upgrades that can be integrated without sacrificing mobility.
The coalition’s signatories represent a broad cross‑section of the neighborhood: three Super Neighborhoods covering more than 52,000 residents, nine civic associations, four faith organizations, six nonprofits, 52 local businesses and the Menil Collection.
Alignment with existing city work
Friends of the Boulevard noted that the safety measures would complement ongoing city investments in drainage, sidewalks and roadway reconstruction. “We recognize the city’s commitment to revitalizing West Alabama, and we share the goal of delivering a successful project,” Spike added. “By making these targeted safety improvements now, Houston can create a corridor that moves people efficiently while also making it safer and more comfortable to walk, bike, cross the street and spend time in Montrose.”
Next steps
The coalition’s letter urges the city and the TIRZ board to adopt the recommendations as part of the final reconstruction plan. The request comes as the city continues to evaluate design options and funding mechanisms for the West Alabama Street project. Community members and local officials are expected to discuss the proposal at upcoming public meetings, providing an opportunity for residents to weigh in on the safety enhancements.
With a history of traffic incidents on the corridor, the coalition argues that incorporating these proven design elements now will reduce future crashes and improve overall quality of life for Montrose residents.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
