Houston: Westpark Tollway

[rte66man]

I'm not talking about extending the toll road to I-10 or I-69. I'm only suggesting it would be better if it at least terminated at a significant state highway corridor. Ending the route in Simonton only looks like wanting to avoid spending any money on highway bridges to cross a river.

I think what bwana39 is saying is they don't have the authority to build a Brazos River crossing because their authority ends at the county line. Besides, I suspect they see this as a service to their residents that commute closer into the Houston metro. I don't see them having any interest in building an I10 or I69 relief route.

[bwana39]

I'm not talking about extending the toll road to I-10 or I-69. I'm only suggesting it would be better if it at least terminated at a significant state highway corridor. Ending the route in Simonton only looks like wanting to avoid spending any money on highway bridges to cross a river.

I think what bwana39 is saying is they don't have the authority to build a Brazos River crossing because their authority ends at the county line. Besides, I suspect they see this as a service to their residents that commute closer into the Houston metro. I don't see them having any interest in building an I10 or I69 relief route.

Exactly. They are terminating the toll road at the last intersection in FORT BEND COUNTY.

[Bobby5280]

Yeah, in Fort Bend County. Because of Texas needs 893,823,375 toll road authorities. It's stupid. Regardless of the bureaucracies involved it would be more logical for a turnpike to end at a significant terminus point, such as the intersection of a busier state highway like TX-36 than a minor route like FM-1489 that doesn't connect directly with anything.

As Houston continues growing they'll be forced to extend that toll road farther West, regardless of what agency is in charge of making it happen.

[Stephane Dumas]

At this rate, I wonder if HCTRA and FBCTRA will be amalgated into a regional agency?

[Ellie]

At this rate, I wonder if HCTRA and FBCTRA will be amalgated into a regional agency?

And MCTRA as well I'd hope?

[bwana39]

At this rate, I wonder if HCTRA and FBCTRA will be amalgated into a regional agency?

Perhaps at some point if MANDATED by the LEGISLATURE.

HCTRA is literally run as a part of the Harris County Government. The toll roads they build are literally county roads with tolls. The commissioner's court  votes on HCTRA items in their regular meetings.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Extension of the Westpark Tollway to begin this summer.

https://coveringkaty.com/news/fulshear/Westpark%20Tollway%20to%20be%20extended%20-%20Work%20starts%20this%20summer/
 
FULSHEAR (Covering Katy News)—The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority expects to begin construction later this summer on a 3½-mile extension of the Westpark Tollway to Fulshear. The extension will run from Spring Green Boulevard/FM 723 west to the intersection that has Charger Way on the north and Bois d'Arc Lane on the south.

"We're hoping to start in August," said Lisa Castaneda, Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority deputy operating officer. She added that some utility lines still have to be moved and that the extension should be completed in less than two years.

The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved the project last week. It will be paid for by bonds that will be repaid by tolls.

Once the tollway extension is operational, drivers will be required to pay tolls. The rates, which have yet to be determined, will be set at a level consistent with other tolls along the tollway.

"We're studying it right now," Castaneda said. "Basically, we study the revenue, and we try to cover our cost and be able to repay the bonds."

Castaneda said commuters can still drive along the roadway while the expansion is built.

While the new road will have tolls, a toll-free feeder road will still be available when the expansion is complete.

"People are driving the road today, they can still drive," Castenada said. "This will just be if you want to stay on the roadway with no lights slowing you down. You can go another 3½ miles further west."

[MaxConcrete]

I visited the area today and here are some statuses

• The four direct connector ramps at the Westpark Tollway and SH 99 (Grand Parkway) are nearing completion. I think they'll be open to traffic by the end of the year.
• Widening of SH 99 between the Westpark Tollway and I-10 is progressing well.
• There was construction activity on the Westpark Tollway in the area of Cross Creek Ranch, which is on the west end of the planned tollway extension. Signs are posted for Harper Brothers construction, with heavy equipment in place in the median and work appearing to be in progress to remove the abandoned FM 1093 pavement in the median. However, there is no activity further east near the existing toll road end.
• Further west, for the planned future extension from Fulshear to Simonton, a new convenience store and fuel station is nearing opening on the north side of FM 1093. There is a large offset from the road, indicating that a 300-foot-wide right-of-way is being preserved.
  See view
  

[MaxConcrete]

I visited the area today and here are some statuses

• The four direct connector ramps at the Westpark Tollway and SH 99 (Grand Parkway) are nearing completion. I think they'll be open to traffic by the end of the year.
• Widening of SH 99 between the Westpark Tollway and I-10 is progressing well.
• There was construction activity on the Westpark Tollway in the area of Cross Creek Ranch, which is on the west end of the planned tollway extension. Signs are posted for Harper Brothers construction, with heavy equipment in place in the median and work appearing to be in progress to remove the abandoned FM 1093 pavement in the median. However, there is no activity further east near the existing toll road end.
• Further west, for the planned future extension from Fulshear to Simonton, a new convenience store and fuel station is nearing opening on the north side of FM 1093. There is a large offset from the road, indicating that a 300-foot-wide right-of-way is being preserved.
  See view
  

Follow up report

• The direct connector ramps at the Westpark Tollway and SH 99 (Grand Parkway) are open to traffic
• On SH 99 between the Westpark Tollway and I-10, traffic is shifted onto the new pavement. The old pavement is now the construction area, for repairs and adjustments.
• The full length of Westpark Tollway main lanes is now under construction from the current toll lanes terminus all the way to Fulshear (specifically to Bois d'Arc Lane)