Ever since the line opened, along with the Purple Line in 2016, the temporary terminal station for the Green Line was Altic/Howard Hughes. This was because the Harrisburg overpass was not finished. The issue was soil contamination. Instead of going under the railroad tracks, Metro had to build an overpass.
To celebrate the completion of the overpass, passengers get free rides on the Green Line only until January 22. A community celebration is planned for that day from 2pm until 4pm with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and special remarks to begin at 2:15 pm. The location is at 6200 Harrisburg underneath the Harrisburg overpass bridge.
One bus driver, who wished not to be identified, said that the overpass took longer than expected to complete. With the line terminating at Magnolia Park Transit Center, people living near Hobby Airport and the east suburbs can now easily get to downtown quicker.
“With the completion, the Green Line has seen an increase in ridership. Magnolia Park Transit Center allows passengers to easily transfer from many different bus lines to the train.”
I was also told that Metro is planning on extending the Purple Line to Hobby Airport at some point. This would make it even more convenient for people living on the southeast side to get into downtown.
On January 22, Metro officially opened the East End overpass. The event was marked with a community celebration. I got a chance to speak with some of the community members to get their take on the completion.
Stephanie Darling, who works with the East End Foundation, said that the completion of the Green Line connects neighborhoods that were originally cut off from the light rail line. “There is a lot of public art, including over 38 murals. With the proximity to the Museum District, people on the East End can now enjoy local art without having to go to the art museums.” The goal is to bring people to the East End and allow them to enjoy the area’s history.
Diane Schenke, who also works with the East End Foundation, said that the completion of the overpass was to integrate the area with Downtown Houston. “With the ability to travel from Magnolia Park Transit Center to downtown with fewer stops is a step forward.” Unlike the Burnett Transit Center/Casa De Amigos overpass on the Red Line, the Harrisburg overpass is open underneath. “This allows local artists to come out and showcase their work without the feeling of being boxed in.”
Other prominent members were at the event, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Councilwoman Carla Cisneros.
Metro chairwoman Carrin Patman said that this overpass was special because it marked a milestone of connecting all of the East End to Downtown. “The connection to Magnolia Park Transit Center now means the East End is officially open for business.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner said that it was an exciting day for the East End. “Houston actually started on the East End way back in 1826, which is something many people don’t know about. With the completion, advances in mass transit to downtown are now available.” He also said that patience was key.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee worked with Congressman Gene Green on getting the Green Line out to Magnolia Park. “Community concerns were a big obstacle, but we were able to assure people that a light rail extension would be beneficial.” She also stressed that public transportation is vital to a city like Houston.
Councilwoman Carla Cisneros, who represents District H, said that she and the councilman from District I worked together to get funding for the completion of the Green Line. “This overpass is still a work in progress, since there is going to be a history timeline on the east end as you head toward Magnolia Park Transit Center.”
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