By Brian Edmondson
White Oak & Studewood Construction Update
Neighbors have likely noticed the construction activity at White Oak Drive and Studewood Street appears to be nearing completion. However, we've recently had another water line leak at the same intersection, so we'll have to see how this might affect the final timeline.
What's This Project All About?
All this activity is part of METRO's BOOST 56 Airline/Montrose project, designed to improve transit and pedestrian safety from Cavalcade all the way to the Texas Medical Center. Think of it as a major transportation upgrade for our area.
The Timeline
Back in 2021, METRO completed Phase One, rebuilding 1.5 miles of Studewood Street from Cavalcade to White Oak. That work set the foundation for the improvements we're seeing now in our immediate area.
What We're Getting
When construction wraps up, we'll have:
Three new or upgraded bus stops near Woodland Heights
Improved sidewalks and crosswalks
Better pedestrian ramps and street crossing
The Bottom Line
Yes, the construction has been disruptive, especially combined with the nearby I-10 reconstruction work. But the end result will be safer, more accessible connections for bus riders, pedestrians, and neighbors alike.
Share Your Ideas for Neighborhood Improvements
Your wish list could become reality! Our District H Council member's office is planning investments for 2026 and wants to hear from residents about projects that could be funded through the Council District Service Fund (CDSF).
This is our chance to speak up about what Woodland Heights needs most. Whether you're tired of dodging sidewalk hazards on your morning walk or dreaming of a safer street crossing, now's the time to make your voice heard.
Ideas That Could Make a Real Difference
Here are some projects that would be particularly impactful for our neighborhood:
Sidewalk repairs and upgrades - especially along school routes and busy pedestrian areas where cracked concrete has become an obstacle course.
Traffic calming measures - speed bumps, better signage, or intersection improvements for streets where cars treat residential roads like racetracks
Pedestrian safety upgrades - improved crosswalks, curb ramps, and lighting for safer navigation
And here's a specific idea: How many of you would love to see a dedicated left-turn signal on White Oak Drive turning onto Studewood? No more playing traffic roulette!
The Power of Speaking Up Together
Here's the thing about traffic calming measures and many other improvements - they often require civic association support to gain traction. If you're dealing with speeding cars on your street or have safety concerns, please shoot us a quick email. When we can show the Council office that multiple neighbors share the same concerns, our requests carry much more weight.
Don't Forget About 311
While you're thinking about neighborhood improvements, keep using 311 for repair needs too. Those sidewalk fixes we've seen around Woodland Heights? Many came from 311 requests. Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease, especially when multiple people report the same issue. Pro tip: Requests that help kids get to school safely or assist elderly and disabled neighbors often get bumped up the priority list.
Take Action
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. While there isn't a firm deadline yet, responding sooner rather than later ensures our neighborhood's priorities make it into the planning process.
Ready to help shape Woodland Heights for the better? Your input could be the difference between another year of the same old problems and actually seeing positive changes in our community. Visit houstontx.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82968f3a7f5b11224382e4651&id=9362aa22fa&e=6a794c3b8b and take the survey.