The City is excited to share that Rice Boulevard between Edloe Street and Mercer Street is expected to reopen by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, weather permitting. Reopening this segment of Rice Boulevard will help relieve traffic congestion and improve access through the area. We appreciate the community's patience as crews completed necessary infrastructure improvements.
Please note that traffic control will remain in place at the following intersections as construction continues:
- Rice Boulevard & Mercer Street
- Amherst Street & Mercer Street
- University Boulevard & Mercer Street
On Monday, February 9, the next phase of the project will commence on the 3700 block of Amherst Street, weather permitting. This phase will include installing a new 16-inch waterline along Amherst Street westbound toward Poor Farm Ditch. This phase is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. We do not expect this work to disrupt water service.
The contractor will primarily utilize trenchless construction methods within the public right-of-way. Some excavation will be required, and portions of the work zone may appear unsightly as installation progresses. City staff and engineers are working closely with the contractor to complete this phase as quickly and safely as possible while minimizing impacts to residents. The water line alignment was carefully designed to minimize impacts to existing utilities, roadway pavement, driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, and protected trees.
Safety Reminder:
For your safety and to ensure uninterrupted progress, please refrain from walking, biking, or skating through active construction areas. Heavy equipment and ongoing operations present significant hazards within the work zone. Residents should use caution near construction activities, follow all posted traffic control signs, and obey traffic laws. Drivers are encouraged to plan routes accordingly and anticipate minor delays.
For more information or questions, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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2/4/2026 10:27 a.m. - The City’s contractor, ISJ Underground Utilities, will begin the installation of the new 16-inch water line on Wednesday, January 7, along Mercer Street between Rice Boulevard and Amherst Street as part of the Milton Street Water Line Replacement Project.
Please note the intersection of Amherst Street and Mercer Street will be closed as it will be reconstructed as part of the waterline installation. However, all residents will have access to their homes throughout the duration of the work.
The engineers have designed the project to include several manholes housing Combination Vacuum Relief and Air Release Valves (ARVs) along the alignment. These manholes are important components of the City’s upgraded waterline system. The ARVs help the 16-inch waterline operate safely and efficiently by:
- Releasing trapped air bubbles that can restrict flow and reduce system efficiency.
- Allowing controlled air entry into the line to prevent bursts or collapses caused by sudden pressure changes.
The alignment of the waterline was carefully designed to minimize impacts to existing buried utilities, roadway pavement, driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, and protected trees. However, in a few specific locations, the ARV manholes must be installed adjacent to or within the ROW to meet design and operational requirements.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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11/18/2025 3:38 p.m. - Beginning Wednesday, November 19, a new traffic detour will go into effect as part of the ongoing construction for the Milton Street Water Line Project. This detour will not change the construction method being used. The roadway will not be torn up, as the contractor will continue utilizing trenchless construction within the right-of-way. This phase of work is expected to continue through the end of the year.
This temporary lane closure is necessary to provide safe access for heavy machinery and to ensure the safety of both construction workers and nearby residents as work progresses.
Detour Information:
- Vehicles traveling eastbound on Rice Boulevard toward Buffalo Speedway will be required to detour south on Edloe Street toward University Boulevard and then turn east on University Boulevard to resume their route.
- Detour signage and traffic control devices will be in place to guide drivers safely through the temporary routing.
Minor delays are expected. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, use caution, and follow all posted traffic control signs while traveling near the work zone.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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11/14/2025 11:43 a.m. - Beginning on Wednesday, November 19, the contractor will move to the next phase of the Milton Street Water Line Project, which will include installing a new 16-inch waterline from the southwest corner of Edloe Street to the southwest corner of Mercer Street along Rice Boulevard. At this time, we do not expect this work to disrupt water service or vehicular traffic routes; however, sidewalk access will be limited in this area.
To minimize disruptions, the contractor will primarily utilize trenchless construction methods. This allows the waterline to be installed safely and efficiently beneath existing infrastructure. Some excavation will still be required, and portions of the work zone may appear unsightly as installation progresses. City staff and engineers are working closely with the contractor to complete this phase as quickly and safely as possible, and to minimize impacts whenever possible.
Safety Reminder:
For your safety and to ensure uninterrupted progress, please refrain from walking, biking, or skating through active construction areas. Heavy equipment and ongoing operations present significant hazards within the work zone. Residents should use caution near construction activities and follow all traffic laws. Drivers are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and anticipate minor delays.
For more information, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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10/15/2025 10:12 a.m. - The City is pleased to announce that the construction on Auden Street between Milton Street and Amherst Street, has been substantially completed, and the roadway is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Thursday, October 16. While the road will be reopened, the sidewalks in this area will remain closed as crews work on restoring the right-of-way.
In addition, as construction progresses on Edloe Street, the city has implemented safety improvements to the work zone between Rice Boulevard and University Boulevard, allowing the sidewalk to reopen for pedestrian use.
We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as the city continues to make infrastructure improvements.
Residents should exercise caution near the construction sites and adhere to all traffic laws. City staff will continue to coordinate with the contractor to minimize disruptions whenever possible.
For more information, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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10/01/2025 2:30 p.m. - As a follow-up to our September 9 notice regarding the Milton Street Water Line Project, we want to inform residents of a schedule update. Due to unforeseen delays, the closure of Auden Street between Milton Street and Amherst Street will be extended by approximately two weeks. This extension will allow crews to complete restoration efforts and install new concrete paving in areas that were cut during the installation of the new waterline.
The good news is that this section will be fully open and ready in time for the West U Halloween 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 25.
Detour Information:
- Northbound traffic on Auden will detour west on Amherst, then north on College to reach their destination
- Southbound traffic on Auden will detour east or west on Rice Boulevard, then proceed to their destination.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as the city works to improve West U’s infrastructure. Once completed, this project will further the city's ongoing efforts to improve water service distribution and reliability.
For more information about the Milton Street Water Line Project, please visit www.westutx.gov/milton.
Questions or concerns? For more information, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or by email at capitalprojects@westutx.gov.
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9/9/2025 9:19 a.m. - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the road closure originally scheduled for today has been postponed until Thursday, September 11. Crews will continue restoration work along the 3700 block of Rice Boulevard.
As a reminder, the next phase will require Auden Street to be closed between Milton Street and Amherst Street for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. Crews will potentially work on Saturday, September 13, to expedite this phase. The road closure will allow crews to safely remove and replace up to 18 linear feet of 30" reinforced concrete pipe. We do not expect this work to disrupt your water service.
Detour Information:
- Northbound traffic on Auden will detour west on Amherst, then north on College to reach their destination.
- Southbound traffic on Auden will detour east or west on Rice Boulevard, then proceed to their destination.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as the city works to improve West U's infrastructure.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Capital Projects Manager, Eduardo Barreto, at 713-662-5848 or by email at ebarreto@westutx.gov.
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Correction: This notice has been corrected to reflect the accurate number of trees being removed. All three locations will receive new trees towards the end of the year when planting is appropriate.
9/8/2025 4:45 P.M. - On Tuesday, September 9, crews will remove three trees in preparation for work associated with the Milton Street Water Line Project.
One tree is located along Rice Boulevard near Edloe Street, adjacent to the business strip. Traffic control measures will be in place along Rice Boulevard and could cause delays. The other two trees are located at the southeast corner of Milton and Auden Street and will be within the upcoming road closure area on Auden Street. The City's Arborist has evaluated the trees and approved their removal. This work is anticipated to be completed within one day.
Residents are urged to exercise caution near the construction site and adhere to all traffic laws. Drivers should plan their routes accordingly and anticipate minor delays. City staff will continue to coordinate with the contractor to minimize disruptions whenever possible.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Capital Projects Manager, Eduardo Barreto, at 713-662-5848 or by email at ebarreto@westutx.gov.
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9/5/2025 2:30 P.M. - On Tuesday, September 9, the contractor will move to the next phase of the Milton Street Water Line Project. This phase will require Auden Street to be closed between Milton Street and Amherst Street for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. Crews will potentially work on Saturday, September 13, to expedite this phase. The road closure will allow crews to safely remove and replace up to 18 linear feet of 30" reinforced concrete pipe. We do not expect this work to disrupt your water service.
Detour Information:
- Northbound traffic on Auden will detour east on Amherst, then north on College to reach their destination.
- Southbound traffic on Auden will detour east or west on Rice Boulevard, then proceed to their destination.
In addition to the work on Auden Street, additional crews will begin remediation work at the corner of Rice Boulevard and Auden Street, along the 3700 block of Rice Boulevard, and Edloe Street.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as the city works to improve West U's infrastructure.
For more information about the Milton Street Water Line Project, please visit www.westutx.gov/milton.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Capital Projects Manager, Eduardo Barreto, at 713-662-5848 or by email at ebarreto@westutx.gov.
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8/26/2025 3 p.m. - On Thursday, August 28, at 8 a.m., the City's contractor will begin working at the southeast corner of Rice Boulevard and Auden Street, in the parking spaces located in front of Friends Park. The parking spaces and sidewalk in front of Friends Park will remain closed for approximately three weeks, weather permitting, or until this work is completed.
This work involves excavation and the installation of a new 16-inch waterline running south along Auden Street and Milton Street. We do not expect this work to disrupt water service.
Residents are urged to exercise caution near the construction site and adhere to all traffic laws. Drivers should plan their routes accordingly and anticipate delays. City staff will continue coordinating with the contractor to minimize disruptions whenever possible.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work to improve West U's infrastructure.
For more information about the Milton Street Water Line Project, please visit www.westutx.gov/milton.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Capital Projects Manager, Eduardo Barreto, at 713-662-5848 or by email at ebarreto@westutx.gov.
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8/7/2025 9:30 a.m. - Phase 1 of the project, which included installing a new waterline along Goode Street and Edloe Street, is nearing completion.
On Friday, August 8, crews will move to Phase 2 of the project along the 3700 block of Rice Boulevard. As part of this phase, crews will complete waterline connections between the newly installed waterline and the existing line across Rice Boulevard and Mercer Street. We do not expect this work to disrupt your water service.
For more information about the Milton Street Water Line Project, please visit www.westutx.gov/milton.
Should you have additional questions throughout this project, please contact Capital Projects Manager, Eduardo Barreto, at 713-662-5848 or by email at ebarreto@westutx.gov.
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6/13/2025 2:35 P.M. - Starting Monday, June 16, the City's contractor, ISJ Underground Utilities, will begin preparations for the Milton Street Water Line Project. The first phase of this project will take place on the fields near West University Elementary School, along Goode Street and Edloe Street. To minimize disruption to the community, the contractor will primarily use trenchless construction methods, allowing for efficient and safe installation beneath existing infrastructure with minimal surface disturbance. This phase of the project is expected to take approximately four weeks, weather permitting.
The comprehensive package of improvements includes the installation of new waterlines, replacing pre-1939 cast iron pipes with new and larger PVC lines. The improvements include water lines from Milton Street, Auden Street, Rice Boulevard, and Mercer Street.
Safety Reminder: During this phase, residents will not be permitted to use these fields and are urged to exercise caution around active construction areas. Heavy equipment and ongoing operations pose serious safety risks.
The City appreciates your patience and cooperation as we work to improve essential infrastructure.