Polk Street Closure Begins for $2B George R. Brown Convention Center Expansion in Houston

Downtown Houston Road Closures

• 📌 Polk Street is now closed to all traffic between Chartres Street and Avenida de las Americas in downtown Houston.
• 🚧 This closure is in effect for early construction work on the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion.

Convention Center Expansion Details

• 🏗️ The expansion project, spearheaded by Houston First Corporation, is expected to add 700,000 square feet of new space.
• 💰 The project is valued at over $2 billion and aims to attract more events to Houston.

Construction and Demolition

• demolition of The Rustic restaurant, a nearby garage, and the GRB Skybridge is planned.
• ⚠️ Commuters, particularly those in the east end who use Polk Street, have expressed criticism regarding the detours.

Related Traffic Changes

• 🚗 The I-59 southbound ramp to I-45 will also be closed later this month as part of the project.
• 🌐 More information on detours and alternative routes is available on the KHOU website.