The city of Bellaire and the Texas Department of Transportation are moving forward with the ongoing traffic signal improvement and timing optimization projects originally approved in March 2025, according to city officials. 

About the project: The purpose of the traffic signal improvement project is to build a Traffic Management Center that the city would maintain. Typically, the centers utilize cameras or sensors to conduct real-time monitoring for situational awareness and traffic control, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

City officials said the improvement project will include the installation of closed-circuit cameras and loop detector sensors at 14 existing traffic signals.

More details: Additionally, city officials said the traffic signal timing optimization project was created to improve the local management and timing optimization at 16 signal intersections.

A new gym that focuses on science-backed programming and technology will open in West University Place in April.

What’s special about it: Body Fit Training will open a new location on Bissonnet Street. BFT focuses on a few approaches that co-owner Tom Waguespack said make them different:

• Coaching: Classes are led by certified trainers who work with members on form and technique
• Programming: Science-backed programming is designed to progress members along their journey in 10-week blocks
• Technology: Heart rate technology focuses on what the heart rate should be according to the current workout

• 2720 Bissonnet St., Houston

Tour de Houston will take place this year on April 12.

The popular annual bike ride will be produced for the third year by the Mayor's Office and Houston First, with the Apache Corporation, a Houston-based independent energy company, as the presenting sponsor for the 13th year.

What you need to know: This year's event will be the 19th edition of the popular tour. Registration opened in early 2026, starting at $50, according to a Feb. 10 news release. However, prices will increase after March 1.

The route will feature three distances, including:

• A 10-mile family route, suited for riders of all ages and abilities
• A 20-mile intermediate route, catered to experienced riders and fitness enthusiasts
• A 45-mile training ride: ideal for riders preparing for the MS 150 in late April

Harris County Precinct 4 has partnered with the University of Houston to create an interactive dashboard of mental health providers in under-resourced ZIP codes.

The overview: Harris County commissioners unanimously approved the agreement Feb. 12. As part of the partnership, UH researchers are developing an interactive and publicly accessible online dashboard highlighting service disparities in Precinct 4. 

Why it matters: The project aims to help residents in underserved portions of Katy, Cy-Fair, Tomball and the Memorial area connect with licensed providers, which could serve as a blueprint for addressing mental health needs countywide. 

UH and Precinct 4 staff will also host community workshops to encourage open conversations about mental health and teach residents how to use the tool, which staff said will launch by June. 

Quote of note: “We’re very hopeful that having this type of information will be able to inform investments and any partnerships we have in the future so that we can support a more coordinated approach to behavioral health and justice system planning,” Precinct 4 policy advisor Larisa Barreto said.

• 2026 Tour de Houston bike ride set for April 12
• Houston to apply for $80M in federal grants to enhance security at FIFA World Cup
• $617M NRG Energy power plant moves forward at Greens Bayou site, state says
• Houston City College launches workforce connection, reconnect programs
• University of Houston-Downtown to guarantee admission for Houston ISD graduates