Yale Street Bridge Improvement Project FAQs
Q. What is the Yale Street Bridge Improvement Project?
A. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is undertaking a roadway project to demolish and rebuild the Yale Street bridge, which crosses White Oak Bayou near Interstate-10.
Q. Why is CenterPoint Energy Involved?
A. TxDOT’s planned expansion of the bridge impacts CenterPoint Energy’s existing underground electric lines, which are located under the bridge and deliver power in that area. As a result, CenterPoint Energy will temporarily re-route existing underground lines that currently cross the Yale Street bridge. This will require CenterPoint Energy to install temporary overhead power lines on Heights Boulevard south from the I-10 frontage road to Koehler Street and westward on Koehler to Yale, which will require six poles on Heights, seven poles on Koehler and two poles on Yale, as well as additional overhead power lines on the existing poles on Yale Street from 5th Street to Koehler Street.
During this construction phase, which will take approximately 9 months, CenterPoint Energy will also reconfigure its underground electric distribution system with a focus on continued infrastructure enhancements to support future growth and reliability.
Q. How Does This Work Affect Me?
A. Fortunately, it does not appear that any residences will be directly affected by the placement of these temporary poles. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy is installing poles that are taller than standard height which will clear and avoid impacting existing trees and vegetation.
Q. Will These New Poles Be Temporary?
A. Yes. Once the bridge and electric service reconfiguration is complete, all of the temporary overhead lines will be removed, and electric service will return to being served through underground power lines.
Q. When Will the Work occur?
A. We anticipate this construction will begin in March and be completed in late 2016.
Q. How Can I Find Out More Information?
A. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/YaleStreetBridge to learn more about CenterPoint Energy’s role in the Yale Street Bridge Improvement Project. Or visit TxDOT’s project page.
