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Biden Transportation Officials Signal How They Might Enforce Racial Justice Concerns

A letter to Texas paused the expansion of a Houston highway, over concerns of disproportionate impact on communities of color. 

Texas officials hoped expanding I-45 would ease commuter traffic around Houston. Racial justice advocates have other concerns. 

Texas officials hoped expanding I-45 would ease commuter traffic around Houston. Racial justice advocates have other concerns. 

Photographer: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group Editorial
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In the summer of 2019, the expansion of Interstate 45 in Houston appeared to be a “done deal,” according to transportation policy advocate Harrison Humphreys. 

The project would add or expand miles of freeway in an attempt to ease congestion and shorten commute times as the region’s population grows. It would also tear through historically African-American neighborhoods, remove thousands of residential and commercial structures, and thicken air pollution, leading members of the community to cry foul.