January 5, 2026
Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project: Engineering Resilience and Community Connectivity
Background
The Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project, led by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) in partnership with the City of Houston, focuses on upgrading one of Houston’s most important north-south corridors: Montrose Boulevard, a vital route connecting residents and visitors to major destinations such as the Museum District, Houston Zoo, Texas Medical Center, and the Ismaili Center. The improvement aims to improve mobility, safety, and sustainability while preserving the character of the neighborhood.
Oldcastle Infrastructure played a critical role in the project by supplying reinforced concrete box culverts and pipe for the stormwater drainage system. The contract value was approximately $2.5 million, with manufacturing completed at the North Houston plant. Work began in April 2025 and was completed in January 2026.
The project involved installing roughly 2,200 feet of box culvert and 1,000 feet of reinforced concrete pipe to upgrade stormwater infrastructure. These improvements were essential to address chronic flooding issues in the Montrose area. In addition to drainage upgrades, the project delivered new sidewalks, crosswalks, and improved street lighting to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility. Roadway surfaces were resurfaced for smoother travel, and mature trees were preserved wherever possible, with additional trees planted along Montrose Boulevard to improve aesthetics and environmental impact.
Challenges
One of the most significant challenges for the project was replacing the outdated drainage system, which relied on undersized 48-inch and 54-inch pipes. This infrastructure could not handle heavy rainfall events, leading to frequent flooding. The new design required installing large 10×10-foot box culverts beneath Montrose Boulevard to provide both conveyance and detention capacity. These culverts were engineered to manage approximately 1.6 million gallons of stormwater, reducing peak runoff and alleviating pressure on downstream systems like Buffalo Bayou. Integrating this system beneath a reconstructed roadway added complexity, as it had to align with mobility improvements while minimizing surface disruption and preserving trees.
Logistical challenges also played a major role. Montrose Boulevard is a high-traffic area with limited space for staging and maneuvering equipment. Deliveries of oversized culverts required strategic scheduling. Unlike typical projects where many trucks can deliver daily, this job required staggered deliveries—sometimes one or two trucks per day, other times five trucks every other day—based on site capacity and traffic conditions. Trucks were spaced 20-30 minutes apart to avoid congestion at the job site.
Additional obstacles included unexpected utility conflicts. Fiber optic and cable lines discovered during excavation could not be relocated, forcing the contractor to develop a creative workaround. Using an excavator, they temporarily pulled the lines aside with ropes during culvert installation and then let them fall back into place. Weather also caused delays as heavy rains during installation led to sediment buildup inside incomplete culverts, requiring cleanup and pushing the schedule back by several weeks.
Solutions
Oldcastle Infrastructure provided innovative solutions to overcome these project challenges, while sister company CRH Americas Materials supplied asphalt. One of the most notable was the custom box culvert design. Original plans called for large junction boxes at four locations with elevation drops of two and four feet. Instead of manufacturing massive junction boxes, Oldcastle Infrastructure engineered custom oversized box culverts (14×10 and 12×10) with internal drop walls. This approach allowed for continuous installation, time savings for the contractor, and the elimination of the need for complex on-site construction. These custom components were cast at the North Houston plant and represented a unique engineering achievement for the team.
Strategic delivery planning was another key solution. Oldcastle Infrastructure worked closely with the contractor to schedule deliveries based on site capacity and traffic conditions, ensuring smooth operations despite space limitations.
Impact
The Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project significantly enhanced roadway safety and reliability by reducing flood risk. The addition of sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting created a more pedestrian-friendly environment, while resurfaced roads improved accessibility and durability. Preserving mature trees and planting new ones contributed to the neighborhood’s charm and environmental health, reinforcing Montrose Boulevard’s role as a welcoming corridor for residents and visitors.
Sustainability Impact
This project aligns with sustainability principles by protecting and restoring water resources and creating cleaner urban spaces. Improved stormwater management reduces flooding and prevents pollutants from spreading into streets and waterways. Durable concrete solutions ensure long-term performance compared to alternatives like plastic, which lack the necessary strength and hydraulic efficiency for this application. The inclusion of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly features further supports sustainable urban development and community well-being.
Conclusion
Oldcastle Infrastructure’s solutions were specified for the project due to a strong, long-standing relationship built on trust and flexibility. Oldcastle Infrastructure’s willingness to provide custom solutions, such as oversized culverts with drop walls, demonstrated its commitment to supporting the customer’s needs. This collaboration not only solved complex engineering challenges but also reinforced a partnership that will continue to drive future projects.
The Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project exemplifies how innovative engineering, strategic planning, and sustainability can transform urban infrastructure. By addressing flooding issues, improving mobility, and enhancing community amenities, this project sets the standard for resilient, sustainable development in Houston and beyond.