Beautification project in the works for Hobby Airport area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you fly through Hobby Airport often, you can expect to see some major improvements on the way there.

A $17 million project will reconstruct Broadway, the main route in and out of Hobby Airport, from I-45 to Airport Blvd. New traffic lights will be installed at Dixie Drive, Santa Elena Drive, Bell fort Avenue, Rockhil Street, Morley Street, and upgrades at I-45 and Airport Boulevard. All sidewalks and wheelchair ramps along the project will be rebuilt to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

"I am very excited to break ground on this project," said District I Council Member Robert Gallegos. "I will continue working with the Hobby Area Management District, Scenic Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance on a beautification and arts component to this project so that, when finished, Broadway will be a signature corridor for our community and serve as a gateway for business travelers and tourists visiting our city."

It's no coincidence construction is happening at the same time Hobby Airport is quickly expanding. Next year, the airport plans to open an international terminal and a new parking garage with 3,000 more spots.

"That way they can all be up and running, and visitors coming to the Super Bowl in 2017 can see a great Houston," Gallegos said. "We're going to make sure that this is going to turn into a signature boulevard.

But it won't be easy getting there. Construction on Broadway is expected to take two years. In the meantime, you can take Telephone Road, Monroe Road, or Airport Boulevard.