Construction has come to Cleburne, along the Texas Southern University campus, as part of Harris County and Houston efforts to upgrade sidewalks, streets and the sewers that run below them.

“We want to make sure somebody's zip code doesn’t determine your access to a safe way to get to school or work,” Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis said Thursday at an event kicking off construction.

The $10.4 million project rebuilds Cleburne, a major street connecting Third Ward and Midtown from the University of Houston to Main Street. the work will replace the pocked asphalt street with a narrower concrete street and wider paths for bicyclists and pedestrians on each side. Lighting and drainage improvements are also planned.

Because of the significant drainage needs — water routinely pools on Cleburne and inches toward nearby homes — Ellis called it one of the most expensive miles of road to rebuild in the area.

Construction of Cleburne will happen from Ennis to Scott, along the entire north boundary of the TSU campus. Work started recently and is expected to take 12 months to complete, according to Ellis’ office.

The project, a centerpiece of $30 million Ellis’ office pledged for street improvements in partnership with the city, is one of a handful aiming to add bike lanes and sidewalks, especially close to area schools and in neighborhoods where car use is lower than other parts of the city.

“We are providing what Third Ward asked for with safer and better streets,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

Making the changes, however, will come with hassles for area travelers.

“It will be hard during construction, but it will be worth it in the end,” Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock said.

dug.begley@chron.com