Annually, the City produces the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP). In compiling the MTFP, the City listens to developers and neighborhoods about such issues as congestion, mobility and future development plans. In that plan, the city identifies sections of roadways (either thoroughfares or major collectors) that are in need of expansion, either by lengthening or widening. The plan serves as notice to the public for developing land adjacent to the identified roads.
The plan does not address the construction schedule for roadway projects. Inquires about roadway construction should be directed to the City's Public Works and Engineering Department.
Related Development Regulations Links (Each section has additional links)
Ever wonder how the City decides which roads to widen, how to set speed limits, and how to set building setbacks? The answer is a Street Hierarchy System.
The system uses several factors to classify streets into one of four categories:
Length of road
Existing and projected traffic volume
Character of adjacent properties
Possibility of expansion, including manmade and natural barriers
Need to preserve thoroughfare corridors
Classifications and descriptions
Descriptions:
Principal Thoroughfare: more than 5 miles long; connects freeways and other principal thoroughfares; more than 30,000 vehicles a day, usually spaced one-half to one mile apart.
Thoroughfares: More than 3 miles long; connects freeways and principal thoroughfares; more than 20,000 vehicles per day; usually spaced one-half to one mile apart.
Collector: One to two miles long; connects thoroughfares and locals streets; more than 5,000 vehicles per day; less than one mile spacing.
Local: Less than one mile long; carries little traffic; provides access to homes and local businesses; accommodates on-street parking and pedestrians.
For more information about the MTFP or Street Hierarchy, please contact: Amar Mohite 713-837-7950: amar.mohite@cityofhouston.net.
