West Alabama Coalition Project
Active Campaign
A neighborhood vision for a safer, more livable West Alabama
West Alabama Street is more than a road, it is a vital civic spine that connects some of Montrose's most cherished institutions, green spaces, and residential communities. The upcoming reconstruction of West Alabama, between Shepherd and Spur 527, represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a safer, more inclusive corridor.
We believe West Alabama should reflect the same values that make Montrose special: walkability, accessibility, and a public realm designed for people, not just cars.
$57M Estimated Cost
~500 Crashes 2018–2024
1.7-mile Project Length
What Changed?
In 2022, after years of public engagement, the Montrose TIRZ (the local government board running the project) drafted a community-supported design that prioritized safety: wider sidewalks, pedestrian refuge islands, calmer traffic patterns, and protected bike lanes.
However, in 2024, that design was abruptly changed to align with the new city administration's directives. The revised plan removes the protected bikeway, adds only one new safe crossing, widens vehicle lanes, and eliminates most traffic-calming elements. These changes increase cars speeding and make the street more dangerous for people walking, biking, or rolling.
Why It Matters
This 1.7-mile stretch of West Alabama is part of the city's high-injury network. Between 2018 and 2024, nearly 500 crashes occurred along this stretch of West Alabama, costing the city and residents an estimated $57 million in emergency services and lost productivity. This corridor connects daily life in Montrose, schools, parks, local businesses, and cultural institutions, and its design should reflect that.
Designing safer streets means protecting what makes Montrose livable: its walkability, small businesses, and everyday community life.
Our Coalition
In response, Friends of the Boulevard convened a coalition of communities across Montrose united by a shared goal: realigning the West Alabama project with the neighborhood's original, safety-focused vision.
We've published a community sign-on letter urging the Montrose TIRZ to incorporate the safety and accessibility elements that were removed from the 2022 plan. The letter has been endorsed by dozens of businesses, civic associations, nonprofits, and churches and continues to gain support.
75+
Local businesses, civic associations, faith communities, and nonprofits supporting our coalition letter
What We're Asking For
We're calling on the Montrose TIRZ and City of Houston to realign the project with the community's original vision.
Specifically, we're advocating for:
Build pedestrian islands into the center turn lane, so people crossing have a safe place to stand.
Make the center turn lane 10-feet wide (vs. 11 now), with the extra foot of space going to sidewalks and trees.
Provide a safe crossing every 500-600 feet, so people aren't forced to choose between a dangerous dash and a long detour.
Raise the crosswalks at Dunlavy & W. Alabama, by the HEB, where families cross constantly.
Set traffic signals for safety by giving pedestrians a few seconds' head start and prohibiting right turns on red.
Make all sidewalks 6-feet wide (city standard) at minimum, wider where trees allow.
Name a specific, funded bike route on a parallel path.
How to Get Involved
Business or Organization?
Are you interested in signing onto our coalition letter as the owner or leader of a local business or civic institution? Contact us. We'd love to have you join!
Individual Looking to Help?
Join us at our weekly coffee chats or join us to speak at the monthly Montrose TIRZ meetings, held monthly on 3rd Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Haven's Center at St. Stephen's.