Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Michael Johnson, the University of Houston president’s chief of staff, on Tuesday, Feb. 25 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of the Cullen Boulevard project that runs through the heart of the Third Ward campus.
To improve mobility and safety, the Office of Commissioner Ellis partnered with the City of Houston and UH for a $19 million reconstruction of Cullen between North MacGregor and Interstate 45.
“Cullen Boulevard is not just a roadway,” Commissioner Ellis said. “It’s a vital gateway to this university, a central artery for thousands of students, employees, and visitors every day. We now have a mor
e walkable streetscape that improves mobility for students, faculty, staff and visitors while enhancing the surrounding community.”
Improvements include reconstructing the 34-foot concrete street and adding 12-foot shared-use paths on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists. The project also includes improved drainage and landscaping as well as enhancing connections to the campus by improving bus and transit stops.
UH also upgraded lighting and street furniture. The work is part of the nearly $35 million improvements the Office of Commissioner Ellis and the city funded to repair five streets around UH and Texas Southern University.
“Well, it’s an exciting day to be here and celebrate the completion of the Cullen Boulevard upgrades, a project that not only enhances the University of Houston campus but also strengthens the surrounding communities,” said Michael Johnson, the UH president’s chief of staff. “Cullen Boulevard has always been more than just a road. It’s the front door to our campus and a vital link connecting thousands of students, faculty, staff and gameday visitors who come to the heart of UH.”
Micha Efran, a UH senior majoring in economics, said he has witnessed the transformation of Cullen.
“I remember in my first semester at this school, I parked in the stadium garage, which is on this street,” Efran said. “I remember how the street used to be. Crossing the street was stressful. I felt like it was meant to move cars and not move students. And sometimes the street was flooded.”
To improve the quality of life for Efran and others, the Office of Commissioner Ellis spent $15 million, the city paid $4 million and UH funded pedestrian lights, bus shelter, benches and landscaping.
Commissioner Ellis said this investment is about equity.
“Your ZIP Code should not determine whether you have access to safe roads, proper drainage and walkable neighborhoods,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Now Third Ward residents, who have been left behind on investments like these for too long, have access to enhanced quality-of-life and safer neighborhoods.”
Photo Caption:
With the busy traffic on Cullen Boulevard in the background at University of Houston, UH student Micha Efran, center, cut the ribbon to mark completion of the $19 million road project with Michael Johnson, left, the UH president’s chief of staff, and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
