PHOTO #1: The University of Houston-Victoria hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Ben Wilson Corridor Improvement Project on June 3. Shown from left are City Manager Jesús A. Garza, City Councilmember Josephine Soliz, Councilman Rafael DeLaGarza, UHV mascot jaX, State Representative Geanie Morrison, Councilman Mark Loffgren, Main Lane Industries Construction Project Manager Ty Mitchell, Councilmember Jan Scott, Main Lane Industries CEO Brian Manning, Councilmember Duane Crocker and UHV President Bob Glenn.

Concept art showing a road with landscaping, crosswalks, traffic lights and a UHV clock tower Opens in new windowPHOTO #2: An image from a March 1 presentation to the City Council shows the proposed design for landscaping on Ben Wilson Street near the UHV campus.

PHOTO #3: An image from a March 1 presentation to the City Council shows the proposed new layout for Ben Wilson Street near the UHV campus.

Past and current leaders from the City of Victoria and the University of Houston-Victoria, community leaders and elected officials gathered June 3 to celebrate the start of the Ben Wilson Corridor Improvement Project.

Overhead view of the road layout showing dividers and turning lanes Opens in new windowThe project is centered on the section of Ben Wilson Street that divides the UHV campus from Airline Road to Red River Street. The project will reduce the street to one lane in each direction and add grass and landscaped center dividers from the north end of campus to Red River Street as well as crosswalks in front of UHV University Commons, 3006 N. Ben Wilson St.

These pedestrian safety improvements will allow students to move freely about the campus and give the area a consistent identity. The additional grass cover is expected to slightly improve drainage in the area.

Dr. Bob Glenn Opens in new window“We are excited to see this project begin construction after all this time,” said UHV President Bob Glenn. “UHV first began discussing the Ben Wilson Corridor in 2015. Since then, it’s been a long process, and we are happy to partner with the City of Victoria.”

The project is managed by the City and funded by state bonds that will be repaid by UHV.

Jeff Bauknight Opens in new window“The City is pleased to be able to support UHV in its goal of becoming a destination university,” said Mayor Jeff Bauknight. “A thriving university greatly benefits our local economy and raises Victoria’s profile as a regional hub for high-quality, affordable higher education. This project will establish the area as the entryway to the UHV campus and will help to sustainably manage increased foot traffic in the area.”

Keeping motorists in mind
Before the project was approved, the City conducted numerous studies to make sure the street would still be able to handle traffic after the lane reduction

Ken Gill Opens in new window“We looked at every type of data: traffic counts, transportation studies, current and future volumes,” said Public Works Director Ken Gill. “We’re confident that the new street will be able to meet our traffic needs now and for the next 30 years.”

The finished design will also include ample space for drivers to pull over for emergency vehicles.

What to expect
On June 6, contractor crews will begin cleaning the storm sewers in preparation for drainage work. Lanes will close periodically during this time, but the road will remain open to two-way traffic.

The street is expected to be southbound-only at some points during the project. The City will provide updates about upcoming lane closures.

The entire project, including the landscaping, is expected to finish in fall 2023.