Through analysis of the Katy Freeway Corridor, urban planners have identified four development zones. Each zone contains distinct elements that identify it as unique and
separate from the other zones. The program team utilized these zones to develop the aesthetic recommendations. The 20-mile reconstruction program will involve developing two of the four zones, the "Suburban" and "New
Suburban" zones.
A development zone is identified as a portion of the corridor defined by its natural and man-made landscape that has a distinct beginning and end. The following components
make up and help define a zone:
- Existing and proposed land uses
- Vegetation
- Natural features such as bayous
- Unique features such as skyline views
- Topography
Four distinct zones were defined from east to west. The Development Zone renderings illustrate the limits of each zone. A brief description of the zones follows.
Urban Zone-From IH-45 to IH-610. This zone
is located in Harris County, the segment closest to the Houston CBD. There will be several interchanges in this segment with residential, commercial and industrial land uses.
Suburban Zone - From IH-610 to Beltway 8.
This zone is located in Harris County and has several incorporated cities such as Spring Valley, Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek Village, Bunker Hill Village and Hillshire Village along or adjacent to the IH-10 Katy Freeway. This segment is
predominantly mixed residential and commercial land use.
New Suburban Zone - From Beltway 8 to Fort Bend/Waller County Line. This zone is located in Harris and Fort Bend Counties and has three major interchanges in it (Beltway 8, SH-6 and Grand Parkway). It also includes the energy corridor between Eldridge and Barker-Cypress Roads. The City of Katy has experienced major residential developments in recent years, and it is anticipated that this segment will experience the heaviest growth and land use changes in the near future.
Rural Zone - From Fort Bend/Waller County Line to the Brazos River. This zone is located in Waller County and is comprised largely of agricultural land with some development in the vicinity of FM 359 and FM 1489. It includes the City of Brookshire.
