US-290 between Austin and Houston thread (future freeway-ish upgrades when?)

[thisdj78]

Expansion proposed for 290 toll road between Manor and Elgin

https://www.kxan.com/traffic/traffic-projects/expansion-proposed-for-290-toll-road-between-manor-and-elgin/

[MaxConcrete]

Expansion proposed for 290 toll road between Manor and Elgin

https://www.kxan.com/traffic/traffic-projects/expansion-proposed-for-290-toll-road-between-manor-and-elgin/

There's no time to waste to get that project moving forward, since right-of-way is surely at risk.

The extension really needs to extend to the east side of Elgin, which would most likely require a bypass. Of course that will be more difficult than ending the toll road extension on the west side of Elgin, so I'm expecting the path of least resistance (i.e. terminating the extension on the west side of Elgin).

[thisdj78]

Expansion proposed for 290 toll road between Manor and Elgin

https://www.kxan.com/traffic/traffic-projects/expansion-proposed-for-290-toll-road-between-manor-and-elgin/

There's no time to waste to get that project moving forward, since right-of-way is surely at risk.

The extension really needs to extend to the east side of Elgin, which would most likely require a bypass. Of course that will be more difficult than ending the toll road extension on the west side of Elgin, so I'm expecting the path of least resistance (i.e. terminating the extension on the west side of Elgin).

They may just have build it through Elgin like 290 is thru Brenham (or just to the south). Seems to be a narrow ROW around Brenham too, do you know if 290 was formerly a surface street on the path that it currently is thru Brenham?

[Bobby5280]

I think the US-290 bypass around Brenham had its frontage roads built decades ago (like in the 1970's or 80's). Freeway segments have been patched in over the years.

It will be interesting to see what kind of path they choose to take for the US-290 toll road extension. They'll probably have to upgrade in place thru Manor since there is so much residential development above and below the 290 corridor. Most of the properties along US-290 are commercial and thus easier to remove via eminent domain. Still, the end result might be either a very skinny highway design or an elevated one cantilevered above the existing 4-lane road.

The only other alternative would be a short multiplex with TX-130 to create a new-terrain Eastbound outlet either North or South of Manor. That seems less likely since a new "Y" system interchange would be required. It would probably just be cheaper and easier building in or above the existing US-290 ROW.

[TheBox]

Expansion proposed for 290 toll road between Manor and Elgin

https://www.kxan.com/traffic/traffic-projects/expansion-proposed-for-290-toll-road-between-manor-and-elgin/

There it is, the final piece of the puzzle finally

Between this, the Giddings bypass, the Brenham realignment, and the Chappell Hill overpass combined, oh yeah it's all coming together