Octavia R. Johnson
@octaviajnews.bsky.social
(she/her) I’m a commuting and transportation reporter at the Houston Chronicle. I’m also navigating through H-Town’s traffic too 😭.
A known mystery, horror and thriller book reader. 💜🤍🩶🖤
About me: linktr.ee/octaviaj_news
#NABJ | #NLGJA | #ace
A known mystery, horror and thriller book reader. 💜🤍🩶🖤
About me: linktr.ee/octaviaj_news
#NABJ | #NLGJA | #ace
New lanes. New underpasses. More construction. More road closures.
Although we’re still years away from crews completing the massive $13 billion I-45 rebuild project, keeping up with what’s happening on Houston’s highways is essential. @houstonchronicle.com (1/2)
Although we’re still years away from crews completing the massive $13 billion I-45 rebuild project, keeping up with what’s happening on Houston’s highways is essential. @houstonchronicle.com (1/2)
I-45 construction tracker: Latest updates on Houston's massive freeway rebuild
Houston I-45 rebuild is a decades-in-the-making overhaul that will add managed lanes, reshape downtown freeways and gradually impact work commutes.
www.houstonchronicle.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
New lanes. New underpasses. More construction. More road closures.
Although we’re still years away from crews completing the massive $13 billion I-45 rebuild project, keeping up with what’s happening on Houston’s highways is essential. @houstonchronicle.com (1/2)
Although we’re still years away from crews completing the massive $13 billion I-45 rebuild project, keeping up with what’s happening on Houston’s highways is essential. @houstonchronicle.com (1/2)
There's so much to learn about Hurricane Rita in 2005. I want to hear your stories -- the real first-hand accounts of the evacuations and what you experienced. Please let us know. These details are vital as we reach the 20th anniversary.
Did you try to evacuate Houston before Hurricane Rita? We want to hear from you.
Houstonians can share their stories about the evacuation in Houston in a Chronicle survey.
www.houstonchronicle.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:22 PM
There's so much to learn about Hurricane Rita in 2005. I want to hear your stories -- the real first-hand accounts of the evacuations and what you experienced. Please let us know. These details are vital as we reach the 20th anniversary.
🧵Houstonians have their own experiences when traveling in a car-centric city.
One thing about transportation…when there are self-driving/flying technology, constant road construction and a push for more public transit, the conversations never die out.
Don’t believe me?⬇️
One thing about transportation…when there are self-driving/flying technology, constant road construction and a push for more public transit, the conversations never die out.
Don’t believe me?⬇️
August 30, 2025 at 1:36 AM
🧵Houstonians have their own experiences when traveling in a car-centric city.
One thing about transportation…when there are self-driving/flying technology, constant road construction and a push for more public transit, the conversations never die out.
Don’t believe me?⬇️
One thing about transportation…when there are self-driving/flying technology, constant road construction and a push for more public transit, the conversations never die out.
Don’t believe me?⬇️
Have you ever been inside an autonomous 18-wheeler? These trucks, from a Houston-based company, are expected to be without a driver sometime this year. Take a look at my experience while riding in #Katy.
What it's like to ride in a self-driving 18-wheeler truck in Katy
Bot Auto, a Houston-based autonomous trucking company, has been conducting full driverless testing with a safety driver since last fall.
www.houstonchronicle.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Have you ever been inside an autonomous 18-wheeler? These trucks, from a Houston-based company, are expected to be without a driver sometime this year. Take a look at my experience while riding in #Katy.
This is not the first time the railroad bridge spanning Interstate 45 has been repainted. Maybe the graffiti mural is here to stay.
However, investigators are still wondering who the true identities of the ones who brought back the most well-known slogan on the highway, "Be Someone."
However, investigators are still wondering who the true identities of the ones who brought back the most well-known slogan on the highway, "Be Someone."
Investigators seek people in June repainting of Houston’s ‘Be Someone’ mural
The Houston Police Department assisted the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department in its investigation of the incident.
www.houstonchronicle.com
August 15, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This is not the first time the railroad bridge spanning Interstate 45 has been repainted. Maybe the graffiti mural is here to stay.
However, investigators are still wondering who the true identities of the ones who brought back the most well-known slogan on the highway, "Be Someone."
However, investigators are still wondering who the true identities of the ones who brought back the most well-known slogan on the highway, "Be Someone."
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Aurora self-driving trucks will travel during the night between Dallas and Houston, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Aurora self-driving trucks will travel during the night on Texas highways
Aurora added that it has completed two trips a day and can now make 12 trips.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 31, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Aurora self-driving trucks will travel during the night between Dallas and Houston, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
What is light rail transit? How is it different from freight rail services? @octaviajnews.bsky.social answered that here. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
What’s the difference between Houston’s Metro light rail and freight trains?
Learn how Houston’s Metro light rail system differs from freight trains in purpose, speed, and passenger service.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 23, 2025 at 10:57 PM
What is light rail transit? How is it different from freight rail services? @octaviajnews.bsky.social answered that here. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
The Trump administration wants to give Texas more authority – and require less transparency – as the state expands existing highways and builds new ones. @megankimble.bsky.social
Trump officials want to give TxDOT more power over highway expansions
If approved, TxDOT won’t have to inform citizens of their right to sue the agency or file a civil rights complaint with the Federal Highway Administration.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 1, 2025 at 7:16 PM
The Trump administration wants to give Texas more authority – and require less transparency – as the state expands existing highways and builds new ones. @megankimble.bsky.social
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Why are drivers’ vehicles ‘bouncing’ on U.S. 59? TxDOT explains the bump on the highway, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
TxDOT explains the ‘bump’ on U.S. 59 in Houston. Here’s what to know.
There are no warning signs and commuters may not spot it if they’re not paying attention.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Why are drivers’ vehicles ‘bouncing’ on U.S. 59? TxDOT explains the bump on the highway, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
No matter if you're a pedestrian, bicyclist, public transportation passenger or driver, many in Houston can agree that being on or near the roads is sometimes scary. Some may have experienced some terrifying situations or close calls. Please share with us your experience:
Have you encountered a scary situation on Houston's roads? Let us know your experience.
Have you encountered a scary situation while driving on Houston highways? Let us know your experience.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
No matter if you're a pedestrian, bicyclist, public transportation passenger or driver, many in Houston can agree that being on or near the roads is sometimes scary. Some may have experienced some terrifying situations or close calls. Please share with us your experience:
The arrests at the South Gessner Road Immigration Court were the first examples of such arrests to be publicized in Houston, though rumors of ICE agents taking people in custody on their court dates have swirled for weeks. @johnwferguson.bsky.social
Plainclothes ICE agents make several arrests at Houston immigration court
The arrests at the South Gessner Road Immigration Court were the first examples of such arrests to be publicized in Houston.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The arrests at the South Gessner Road Immigration Court were the first examples of such arrests to be publicized in Houston, though rumors of ICE agents taking people in custody on their court dates have swirled for weeks. @johnwferguson.bsky.social
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
What is 'grooving?' The cutting technique used on Houston highways, explained, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
What are those lines carved in Houston highways? How grooves serve a purpose.
Grooves have been used on Texas highways since the late 1960s. Here's what to know about the lines etched in concrete all over Houston.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:55 PM
What is 'grooving?' The cutting technique used on Houston highways, explained, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Discussions about replacing the bridge began around the 2010s, but had been delayed by disagreements over funding, location and control, according to past news coverage by the Chronicle.
Galveston’s Pelican Island Bridge replacement needs $206M. Who will pay?
The aging bridge is the only way drivers can travel between Pelican Island and Galveston. But a new bridge is years away.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Discussions about replacing the bridge began around the 2010s, but had been delayed by disagreements over funding, location and control, according to past news coverage by the Chronicle.
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Waymo's new driverless cars will hit these Houston neighborhoods and streets this summer, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Waymo's new driverless cars will hit these Houston neighborhoods this summer
California's Waymo launched driverless vehicle testing and plans to explore local roads and meet residents to improve autonomous vehicle technology.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 29, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Waymo's new driverless cars will hit these Houston neighborhoods and streets this summer, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
The American Automobile Association projected that more than 39 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, a million more than last year’s numbers.
How bad will Memorial Day traffic be this weekend? Here's what to know.
Texas travelers preparing for Memorial Day weekend should anticipate heavy traffic on interstate corridors in the Houston area.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 23, 2025 at 9:05 PM
The American Automobile Association projected that more than 39 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, a million more than last year’s numbers.
Houston Chronicle’s Jhair Romero dives into whether Houston drivers are getting worse on Houston Explained. Give the piece a read please!
Have Houston drivers gotten worse? Yes, data on deadly crashes suggests.
Fatal crashes in Houston have jumped nearly 50% since 2015, and one expert says distracted driving and worsening behavior are putting everyone at risk.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 23, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Houston Chronicle’s Jhair Romero dives into whether Houston drivers are getting worse on Houston Explained. Give the piece a read please!
The sleek, self-flying aircraft drew a crowd of curious onlookers at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Wisk Aero showcased the air taxi at the 2025 Xponential Conference. The company plans to establish the transit in the greater Houston area by the end of the decade.
Houston gets a peek at Wisk Aero's model autonomous air taxi
Wisk Aero showcased its autonomous air taxi model with plans to have the self-flying aircraft within the greater Houston area.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The sleek, self-flying aircraft drew a crowd of curious onlookers at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Wisk Aero showcased the air taxi at the 2025 Xponential Conference. The company plans to establish the transit in the greater Houston area by the end of the decade.
Good morning! When you first got your license, did you know the rules of the road? Would you be able to pass the written test again years later? Here are some sample questions to help you find out. Remember, think first-time driver.
Do you think you're a good driver? See if you can pass our Texas driver's exam.
Test your knowledge of Texas driving rules and see if you could pass the written test.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Good morning! When you first got your license, did you know the rules of the road? Would you be able to pass the written test again years later? Here are some sample questions to help you find out. Remember, think first-time driver.
Like you, I commute to Houston! I'm very excited to cover this beat within one of the largest cities in the nation. Driving through Houston has been an experience for me, and I'm up for the challenge of reporting on what residents experience during their everyday commute (1/2).
Octavia Johnson named Houston Chronicle's new transportation reporter
Octavia Johnson will explore Houston's transportation challenges as the Houston Chronicle's new transportation reporter.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Like you, I commute to Houston! I'm very excited to cover this beat within one of the largest cities in the nation. Driving through Houston has been an experience for me, and I'm up for the challenge of reporting on what residents experience during their everyday commute (1/2).
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Houston autonomous vehicle company plans to have no drivers on Texas Highways. Here’s what to know, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
A Houston autonomous vehicle company plans to have no drivers on Texas Highways
A Houston autonomous vehicle company showcased its driverless truck and presented its technology at Houston Transtar on Thursday.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Houston autonomous vehicle company plans to have no drivers on Texas Highways. Here’s what to know, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Real ID requirement takes effect at Houston airports. Here’s what travelers said about the new rule, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Travelers weigh in on Real ID required to fly out of Houston airports
Travelers at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport now need a Real ID to fly domestically as new federal requirements take effect.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 8, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Real ID requirement takes effect at Houston airports. Here’s what travelers said about the new rule, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Interactive art project aims to brighten Houston’s downtown underpasses, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Interactive art project aims to brighten Houston’s downtown underpasses
Houston’s Moon Papas will transform downtown underpasses with interactive lights and sounds to enhance pedestrian safety and experience.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Interactive art project aims to brighten Houston’s downtown underpasses, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora launched its commercial self-driving trucking service without a safety driver Sunday for the route between Dallas and Houston.
Aurora launches self-driving trucks without driver on Texas highways
Autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora launched its commercial self-driving trucking service without a safety driver on Texas highways.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 1, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora launched its commercial self-driving trucking service without a safety driver Sunday for the route between Dallas and Houston.
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Fake parking ticket with Houston seal flagged by city officials. Here’s how to avoid, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
A fake parking ticket has been seen in Houston. How to know if yours is real.
Houstonians should be cautious of fake parking tickets placed on vehicles. Here’s what ParkHouston says about the fraudulent citation.
www.houstonchronicle.com
April 30, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Fake parking ticket with Houston seal flagged by city officials. Here’s how to avoid, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Octavia R. Johnson
Texas trucking industry weighs in on Trump’s order requiring English proficiency for drivers, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Houston, Texas trucking orgs weigh in on Trump’s English proficiency order
A trucking association in Houston issued its statement after Trump signed an executive order requiring truck drivers to speak English proficiently.
www.houstonchronicle.com
April 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Texas trucking industry weighs in on Trump’s order requiring English proficiency for drivers, via @octaviajnews.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...