Harris County Precinct 4 Enhances Safety and Connectivity with 50 Miles of New Sidewalks
In a major step toward improving public safety and accessibility, Harris County Precinct 4 has completed 50 miles of new sidewalks across unincorporated areas. This achievement, part of Commissioner Lesley Briones’ Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative, is the result of a $20 million investment aimed at increasing pedestrian safety and community connectivity.
The initiative launched in March 2024 in the Alief Independent School District after a comprehensive data-driven sidewalk gap analysis identified key infrastructure deficiencies. Covering 406 square miles, the study highlighted numerous "sidewalks to nowhere," forcing residents—many of them students—to walk along busy streets without safe pedestrian pathways.
Prioritizing Safety and Accessibility
Precinct 4 strategically prioritized locations within one mile of schools, parks, bus stops, and healthcare facilities to ensure the greatest impact.
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"This investment is about more than sidewalks—it's about safety, opportunity, and listening to our community," said Commissioner Briones. "Families should not have to walk in the street to get to school or work. By strategically developing sidewalk infrastructure, we are making Precinct 4 safer, more connected, and more accessible—one block at a time."
Responding to Community Needs
The Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 project was shaped by extensive community input, including public town halls and direct feedback to the Community Assistance Department. Residents voiced concerns over sidewalk gaps that put pedestrians, including school children, at risk. In response, Precinct 4 moved swiftly to construct safe, continuous pathways connecting neighborhoods to schools, workplaces, stores, and places of worship.
One of the most impactful areas of improvement has been near Alief ISD campuses, where nearly 15 miles of sidewalks were added.
A student celebrates the completion of 50 miles of new sidewalks, marking a milestone "As parents, educators, and community leaders, we recognize that safety should never be a barrier to opportunity," said Dr. Anthony Mays, Superintendent of Alief ISD. "By creating these safe pathways, we are reducing the risk of accidents and injuries and reinforcing the message that our students' well-being is a top priority."
For students who rely on walking or public transit, the new sidewalks have already made a tangible difference.
"Sidewalks are crucial for me, especially since I take the bus everywhere. Safe, well-maintained sidewalks not only make it easier to get around but also keep me and my friends safe on our daily commutes," said Ny’Elle Blount, a student at Taylor High School. Gabrielle Brown, a student at Kerr High School, shared a similar sentiment, recalling a past close call: "I almost got hit trying to walk home, but today that changed. Thanks to Precinct 4, we have safe, designated walkways."
Beyond Alief ISD, Precinct 4 constructed 14 miles of sidewalks in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and nearly 23 miles in Katy ISD, further strengthening safe pedestrian infrastructure throughout the county.
Building a More Connected Future
Harris County Precinct 4, home to more than 1.2 million residents, is responsible for maintaining over 1,600 miles of roads, nearly four miles of bridges, 55 parks, and 10 community centers that serve hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Commissioner Briones emphasized the importance of ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with the region’s growth.
"Precinct 4 is growing, and we are ensuring our infrastructure grows with it. We will continue to build safe, accessible walkways that strengthen our communities and deliver pathways to progress."
By addressing infrastructure gaps and enhancing pedestrian safety, the Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative marks a significant step in improving walkability in the area. As the county continues to develop, further investments in pedestrian infrastructure aim to shape the accessibility and connectivity of Harris County Precinct 4 neighborhoods.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
