Polk Street in downtown Houston closes to make way for GRB project

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- To make way for the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, Polk Street closed on Wednesday morning to all traffic.

The closure has been met with pushback from residents who live east of downtown.

They've argued that the closure cuts off their access to downtown Houston.

Houston First Corporation says the closure of Polk Street is all part of a plan to redefine downtown.

The project, officials say, will generate more than $20 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years.

READ MORE: Plans to 'reimagine' convention district include 700,000-square-foot expansion of GRB

Houston First's plans to reimagine the convention district include a 700,000-square-foot expansion to the George R. Brown Center.

Critics believe closing Polk Street will disrupt traffic and cut of a key road to get from east of downtown to the central part of Houston.

Signs have been placed around the area, warning drivers of the closure and detours.

What is closed?

• Polk Street between Chartres Street and Avenida de las Americas
• Nov. 10: Demolition is to begin on GRB's South Ramp that crosses Polk Street
• Nov. 28: Sidewalk of Polk between Chartres and Avenida will reopen
  (Information from Houston First)

How you can get around

• Into downtown from northbound 59: Exit at West Gray and take Pease St. or St. Joseph Pkwy.
• If you're coming into downtown from East End, take Pease St. or St. Joseph Pkwy.

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