Roadway widening of the Sam Houston Parkway in both directions between I-45 and Hardy Toll Road is expected to begin in the near future, according to the Greenspoint District. When completed, the TXDOT widening project will provide more spacious lanes and improve mobility along the corridor, which is one of the area’s most highly-traveled highways. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
The project is comprised of two components. The first is widening by adding two lanes at the Imperial Valley bridge, as well as re-striping the remaining roadway to accommodate five lanes of traffic. The second component is reconstruction and expansion of the frontage roads, increasing them from two lanes to three lanes.
“Commuters are currently experiencing the initial impact of this project due to the relocation of multiple utilities to prepare for construction, including the gas, water and fiber optic cables in the area,” said Bart Baker, Greenspoint District vice president of Planning, Operations & Infrastructure. “Lane closures for utility relocations began in September, and the construction schedule is being finalized at this time.
“Work on widening the main lanes of I-45 will take place first, and there are not expected to be major lane closures during this phase of construction,” said Baker. “The expansion of the frontage roads will follow, with some lane closures expected. The Greenspoint District is already working actively with the City and TXDOT to establish alternate routes and detours to minimize inconveniences to area motorists.”
When completed, the new road infrastructure will include new sidewalks, new storm drainage system and other amenities. Baker noted that the project is a collaborative effort between the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) and TXDOT.