City of Houston: Airline Drive Improvements

Airline Drive is a major thoroughfare in north Houston fronted by three schools, a library, and numerous commercial establishments. The purpose of this project was primarily to improve safety and aesthetics for the many pedestrian users of the roadway. Over half of the construction budget was used for landscape improvements, bus shelter enhancements, and pedestrian elements such as enhanced sidewalks, benches and pedestrian lighting. The remaining budget funded select pavement replacements and traffic signal upgrades. Attention also had to be given to mature trees, so that proposed sidewalks would not jeopardize their health.

SPI was the prime consultant for this project, and was responsible for management of a landscape architect and other subconsultants, coordination with all public and private entities and stakeholders, and preparation of reports and construction documents. During construction, SPI provided normal construction phase services, but also had to work with the contractor to deal with numerous undocumented underground obstructions.