S.M. Wright Freeway Removal
A new boulevard will replace it
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Page last updated or reviewed: April 18, 2023 (add photos), created June 23, 2021
The new connection to Interstate 45 opened in July 2020. Work could then start on the freeway removal. The freeway is being replaced with a six-lane, architecturally-enchanced boulevard. As of April 2023, all main lanes and main lane overpasses were demolished. The new boulevard-style street was ready on the south end, with work just starting on the north end.
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The freeway was called South Central Expressway before it was renamed S.M. Wright Freeway in 1995. It will be called S.M. Wright Boulevard after the freeway removal. (Photo date: 18-Sept-2022)
High resolution Looking north at Elsie Faye Heggins street. The overpass and embankment are removed, and the pavement for the replacement street is in place. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
Looking north at Pine Street. The overpass and embankment are removed. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
Looking north at Pine Street. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
The freeway was still open going northbound north of Pine Street in June 2021. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
Going northbound on the freeway main lanes. The southbound lanes at this location were permanently closed at the time of this photo. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
The next crossing is at Metropolitan Avenue. This overpass was still intact at the time of this photo. It was in use by northbound traffic but was closed to southbound traffic. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
High resolution Looking north toward the Metropolitan Avenue intersection in September 2022. The overpass is fully removed. (Photo date: 18-Sept-2022)
High resolution Another view of the Metropolitan Avenue intersection in September 2022. (Photo date: 18-Sept-2022)
Driving northbound on the main lanes. Ahead the closure of the southbound lanes is visible. This view features an old design light fixture with support rods. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
In the southbound direction, traffic is forced to exit at the Metropolitan Avenue exit. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
(Photo date: 19-June-2021)
High resolution Looking north, north of Metropolitan Avenue (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
The Pennsylvania Avenue overpass remains intact and is still in use by both directions of traffic in September 2022. (Photo date: 19-June-2021)
High resolution This view looks north, north of Pine Street, showing an orphaned on-ramp sign. (Photo date: 25-Sept-2021)
In September 2021 both directions of traffic were on the west side of the corridor. Ahead, the freeway main lanes were still open to traffic. (Photo date: 25-Sept-2021)
High resolution Looking northbound with the Metropolitan Avenue overpass ahead. In March 2022 the main lanes were still open from Metropolitan Avenue northward. (Photo date: 19-March-2022)
New street and sidewalk near Pine street. (Photo date: 19-March-2022)
High resolution As of April 2023, all main lanes and overpasses were demolished. The underpass at MLK boulevard was filled to ground level with dirt. This view looks north with Pennsylvania Avenue crossing just ahead. (Photo date: 16-April-2023)
A wide-angle view looking north, south of Pennsylvania Avenue. (Photo date: 16-April-2023)
High resolution Looking northbound at Interstate 45 ahead. New connection ramps along interstate 45 were under construction. (Photo date: 16-April-2023)