Projects

I-45 Braided Ramps Improvement 

Wide freeway filled with heavy traffic in both directions. Elevated lanes run parallel on the right, with billboards and wooded areas below and a distant city skyline under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a large highway interchange with multiple elevated ramps curving through a wooded area. Several vehicles travel on the roads, and the city skyline is visible in the distance.
A multi‑lane highway with a few cars driving under a cloudy sky. An elevated roadway runs along the left side, and office buildings and trees line the right side.

Location:

Houston, Texas

Expertise:

Community, Transportation

Services:

Public Engagement, Roadway Design, Traffic Engineering

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A Visionary Solution for a Growing Community 

Situated along one of the nation’s busiest freeway corridors north of Houston, the I-45 Ramp Improvements project stands as a testament to WSB’s expertise, dedication and visionary thinking.  

Innovative Solutions 

Where others saw an insurmountable issue, WSB saw an opportunity for transformation. Although the challenges on this critical stretch of highway affected countless lives daily, the prevailing belief was that the situation was an inevitable inconvenience. By listening closely to local agencies, WSB recognized the untapped potential for meaningful change.  

WSB identified a core issue affecting hundreds of thousands of daily travelers— delays and accidents caused by poorly placed ramps and traffic weaving. The firm’s collaborative approach led to a creative solution: braiding ramps to streamline traffic, introducing a new two-lane Collector-Distributor between Rayford/Sawdust Road and Hardy Toll Road, and enhancing overall connectivity across the corridor. Driven by its commitment to the community, WSB designed and initiated the I-45 Braided Ramps Improvement project, turning what once seemed impossible into a forward-thinking solution that improves safety, connectivity, and quality of life for all who travel these roads. 

This vision went from a grassroots idea to a nationally ranked priority, securing federal funding as the top-rated submission out of more than 400 contenders—a testament to WSB’s ability to turn insight into action. 

Impactful Results for the Region 

The project’s benefits extend far beyond smoother commutes. With estimated improvements valued at $150 million, the I-45 Braided Ramps Improvement will alleviate congestion for one of Texas’s most important transportation arteries, increase safety for drivers and raise the profile of infrastructure excellence in the region. 

WSB’s multidisciplinary expertise—spanning digital delivery, environmental services, water resources, public engagement and more—enabled the firm to deliver a comprehensive solution. Leveraging advanced traffic modeling and innovative design, our team demonstrated the tangible benefits, paving the way for the project’s rapid advancement. 

Building a Legacy for the Future 

From inception to implementation, the I-45 Braided Ramps project exemplifies WSB’s unwavering commitment to improving lives and shaping the future. This project is a vivid reminder that meaningful change begins with bold ideas and a passion for serving the communities our clients call home. 

WSB Staff working in the lobby of the WSB headquarters.

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