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When the East End line was first proposed several years ago, Metro planned to build an overpass on Harrisburg to get the train across the Hughes Street freight rail tracks.
But after public outcry, the agency decided to go with an underpass.
Now Metro says it can’t build that underpass because of soil contamination and it’s once again proposing an overpass. But officials say it wouldn’t be as big as originally planned, and it wouldn’t hamper access to businesses.
Speaking at a special Metro board meeting, Marilu De La Fuente with the Harrisburg Heritage Society says neighbors are still concerned.
“We have worked for years and years and years and years with Metro, one thing after another, changes, changes, changes. I don’t know whether we can trust Metro today on what they’re telling us.”
And East End property owner Anne Whitlock says the design of the final project is crucial.
“A huge part of our problem here in Houston is our built environment and our inability to access green space and places where people can enjoy the outdoors.”
Most of the East End line is set to open this fall, and Metro wants to extend the line to the Magnolia Transit Center sometime in the next two years. A final decision on the overpass issue is expected next month.
