Polk Street closure on the table as GRB expansion and I-45 rebuild reshape downtown traffic

HOUSTON – Houston is preparing for a permanent change to how drivers move between Downtown and east Downtown.

As part of the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion and TxDOT’s I-45 overhaul, City Council will vote next week on abandoning Polk Street downtown.

‘Ghettoized’: Houston’s East End residents fear convention center expansion cuts them off from downtown

Houston First and TxDOT confirm the plan will alter routes for years.

Key points

City Council to consider abandoning Polk Street downtown next week.

Leeland Street slated to convert to two-way to keep traffic moving.

Houston First says Polk will be “severed” during construction for 5–6 years.

TxDOT says motorists can use a U-turn over new below-grade lanes and connect via the Hamilton Street extension to Leeland and Pe