Hardy Downtown Connector

[FreewayDan]

Now that the northeast segment of the Sam Houston Tollway is finished, HCTRA seems to be on track to extend the Hardy Toll Road into downtown Houston.

https://www.hctra.org/hardyconnector/

This extension will have only one exit between I-610 and I-10/US 59 interchange.  It will have one mainlane tolling location. 

[mightyace]

Geez, HCTRA used an I-59 shield for US 59!

[MaxConcrete]

At one time the extension was planned to be toll-free. I remember it was described as a long entrance ramp. But, I had not seen or heard any reports that it will be free for many years. And looking at the FAQ, it states that it will be tolled.

According to the schedule, work should already be in progress. Is there any work in progress?

If it is going to be completed in 2012, they better start soon.

[Revive 755]

I'm impressed that this project is actually alive.  That would be a fairly dense cluster of north-south freeway grade facilities.

[Sykotyk]

It's needed, I-45 from downtown needs the relief.

[FreewayDan]

At one time the extension was planned to be toll-free. I remember it was described as a long entrance ramp. But, I had not seen or heard any reports that it will be free for many years. And looking at the FAQ, it states that it will be tolled.

According to the schedule, work should already be in progress. Is there any work in progress?

If it is going to be completed in 2012, they better start soon.

From a 1996 HCTRA brochure, the Hardy extension was proposed as the Maury Street Expressway.

[NE2]

Is this the end for the Elysian Street Viaduct?

[Anthony_JK]

From a 1996 HCTRA brochure, the Hardy extension was proposed as the Maury Street Expressway.

I assume that it was originally proposed as a free facility, but then financial reality set in, and HCTRA took over control and will build it as an extension of the Hardy Toll Road.

Connectors to US 59 were already built as part of the overhaul of the I-10/US 59 interchange, and the UPRR line had to be realigned to make sufficient ROW for the facility..so it should be a quick overhaul to construct the remaining facility.

Only questions I have: Will there be any direct connectors to/from the south to I-610??  And...when will they finish the direct connectors between the Hardy and the Sam Houston Tollway??


Anthony

[FreewayDan]

Only questions I have: Will there be any direct connectors to/from the south to I-610??  And...when will they finish the direct connectors between the Hardy and the Sam Houston Tollway??

According to HCTRA's website, I don't think they're planning for that. https://www.hctra.org/about_construction/

Let's not forget the unsigned Spur 548, the short TxDOT maintained freeway between I-610 and Crosstimbers Road.  When the Hardy extension was planned as a freeway, I assumed it would take on the Spur 548 number.