AARoads Forum

Figured that since Austin and DFW already have general threads for their freeways, Houston should probably have one.

Post here gossip, photos, project news, and really anything relating to Houston's roads.

I'll start off the discussion with a question; how is the reconstruction of the bridges on US 290 going (or has it already finished)? I remember going through that part of town late 2017 and there was construction all over the place on 290.

290 is pretty much finished now.

The next proposed projects (outside of what has its own major discussion threads already) would be:

Fort Bend Tollway extension to 610
SH35 Freeway from Houston to Alvin
Southeast Grand Parkway segments

In progress:

Northeast Grand Parkway segments
Tomball/Aggie Expressway extension
Westpark Tollway extension

Here's a good read on proposed Houston projects:

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 09:47:53 AM

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

The Hempstead Tollway is most likely dead, and TxDOT is trying to replace it with 2x2 toll-free managed lanes along the same alignment. The managed lanes are proposed to be elevated inside BW8 to reduce right-of-way requirements. TxDOT is asking H-GAC to modify the long-term plan to include the elevated managed lanes, but as of tomorrow's meeting H-GAC is not including the change. H-GAC is also rejecting TxDOT's request for managed lanes on the West Loop and on the inner Katy Freeway.
https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf)

Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 15, 2021, 01:20:38 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 09:47:53 AM

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

The Hempstead Tollway is most likely dead, and TxDOT is trying to replace it with 2x2 toll-free managed lanes along the same alignment. The managed lanes are proposed to be elevated inside BW8 to reduce right-of-way requirements. TxDOT is asking H-GAC to modify the long-term plan to include the elevated managed lanes, but as of tomorrow's meeting H-GAC is not including the change. H-GAC is also rejecting TxDOT's request for managed lanes on the West Loop and on the inner Katy Freeway.
https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf)

The freeway expansion era is largely over in Houston, it seems. We'll probably see a few projects get finished (if in a reduced state, I don't expect I-45 north of DT to get expanded), but anything on a new ROW (except for SH 35 and everything other than Segment A of the Grand Parkway) is done, and reconstructions will almost certainly be no capacity added.

I think 25 years of PAINFUL reconstructions, along with apparently-limited benefits (even if the actual benefits were fairly good), has shifted the political climate away from expansion anywhere inside Beltway 8.

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM
290 is pretty much finished now.

The next proposed projects (outside of what has its own major discussion threads already) would be:

Fort Bend Tollway extension to 610
SH35 Freeway from Houston to Alvin
Southeast Grand Parkway segments

In progress:

Northeast Grand Parkway segments
Tomball/Aggie Expressway extension
Westpark Tollway extension

Here's a good read on proposed Houston projects:

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

I saw somewhere that SH 35 will be used up in Alvin by SH 99 Grand Parkway.

Quote from: Thegeet on June 15, 2021, 02:39:16 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM
290 is pretty much finished now.

The next proposed projects (outside of what has its own major discussion threads already) would be:

Fort Bend Tollway extension to 610
SH35 Freeway from Houston to Alvin
Southeast Grand Parkway segments

In progress:

Northeast Grand Parkway segments
Tomball/Aggie Expressway extension
Westpark Tollway extension

Here's a good read on proposed Houston projects:

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

I saw somewhere that SH 35 will be used up in Alvin by SH 99 Grand Parkway.

Yes, the two routes will share alignment around Alvin.

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 03:20:41 PM

Quote from: Thegeet on June 15, 2021, 02:39:16 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM
290 is pretty much finished now.

The next proposed projects (outside of what has its own major discussion threads already) would be:

Fort Bend Tollway extension to 610
SH35 Freeway from Houston to Alvin
Southeast Grand Parkway segments

In progress:

Northeast Grand Parkway segments
Tomball/Aggie Expressway extension
Westpark Tollway extension

Here's a good read on proposed Houston projects:

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

I saw somewhere that SH 35 will be used up in Alvin by SH 99 Grand Parkway.

Yes, the two routes will share alignment around Alvin.

Nice. The median is wide enough already to accommodate a freeway, so Alvin would be an easy task, except when diverging from SH 35, which they would need to buy ROW.

Quote from: Thegeet on June 15, 2021, 03:49:23 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 03:20:41 PM

Quote from: Thegeet on June 15, 2021, 02:39:16 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM
290 is pretty much finished now.

The next proposed projects (outside of what has its own major discussion threads already) would be:

Fort Bend Tollway extension to 610
SH35 Freeway from Houston to Alvin
Southeast Grand Parkway segments

In progress:

Northeast Grand Parkway segments
Tomball/Aggie Expressway extension
Westpark Tollway extension

Here's a good read on proposed Houston projects:

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

I saw somewhere that SH 35 will be used up in Alvin by SH 99 Grand Parkway.

Yes, the two routes will share alignment around Alvin.

Nice. The median is wide enough already to accommodate a freeway, so Alvin would be an easy task, except when diverging from SH 35, which they would need to buy ROW.

There's a basic map of the alignments in the link I posted above, Page 2.

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Interesting that it seems HGAC has already given up on building the southeastern Grand Parkway segments until at least 2040, as per the map. Building the Mykawa and Alvin sections of the SH 35 freeway seems feasible, but how is TxDOT going to fit a freeway through downtown Pearland? The ROW isn't exactly there.

The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Interesting that it seems HGAC has already given up on building the southeastern Grand Parkway segments until at least 2040, as per the map. Building the Mykawa and Alvin sections of the SH 35 freeway seems feasible, but how is TxDOT going to fit a freeway through downtown Pearland? The ROW isn't exactly there.

The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

You know, light rail used to go to Galveston before the days of cars.

The commuter rail lines are planned subject to funding. Funding for rail is hard to come by. The matching has to come 100% from local sources. The state really doesn't do much with that.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Interesting that it seems HGAC has already given up on building the southeastern Grand Parkway segments until at least 2040, as per the map. Building the Mykawa and Alvin sections of the SH 35 freeway seems feasible, but how is TxDOT going to fit a freeway through downtown Pearland? The ROW isn't exactly there.

The route would follow the railroad ROW vs the SH35 route. Therefore, there's some room to work with. Not much, but it's there. There will still be some property acquisition required but not as much is if they rebuilt SH35 into a freeway through Pearland:

https://goo.gl/maps/YRBLgQJMcDicH8c36

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Interesting that it seems HGAC has already given up on building the southeastern Grand Parkway segments until at least 2040, as per the map. Building the Mykawa and Alvin sections of the SH 35 freeway seems feasible, but how is TxDOT going to fit a freeway through downtown Pearland? The ROW isn't exactly there.

The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

I agree. It's too bad they don't want to make SH 99 a full continuous loop.

Are they removing the rail line?

Quote from: In_Correct on June 16, 2021, 02:51:55 AM
Are they removing the rail line?

Sounds like they will keep the rail lines and perhaps run the mainlanes on both sides (similar to Mopac in Austin):

The proposed SH 35 tollway would be constructed as a controlled-access tolled facility with auxiliary lanes between on ramps and off ramps, consisting of varying numbers of main lanes in each direction within a typical 300-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW). Within the ROW, an approximately 50-foot-wide future transit preserve would be reserved.

https://www.pearland.com/msg/sh-35-tollway-project-info.php?p=994055

Quote from: Thegeet on June 16, 2021, 01:14:12 AM

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM

https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/aede9fcd-17a0-480d-b0fd-a36c0065dbd7/2040-RTP-exec-summary-april-2016.pdf

Interesting that it seems HGAC has already given up on building the southeastern Grand Parkway segments until at least 2040, as per the map. Building the Mykawa and Alvin sections of the SH 35 freeway seems feasible, but how is TxDOT going to fit a freeway through downtown Pearland? The ROW isn't exactly there.

The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

I agree. It's too bad they don't want to make SH 99 a full continuous loop.

Yeah it is, but I get it. Fitting it through League City, Kemah, and Laporte would be extremely difficult. If money was no object, I would bypass it altogether by building a bridge from near Bayview to where 99 makes that 90 degree turn near Beach City. It would be similar in size and scope to the Sunshine Skyway bridge in Tampa Bay.

What are the plans for the segment of the Grand Parkway from Sugar Land to I-45?  Is that pretty much on hold?

Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 07:10:36 PM
What are the plans for the segment of the Grand Parkway from Sugar Land to I-45?  Is that pretty much on hold?

The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority is in the process of defining the alignment and purchasing right of way for the section from IH-69 (US 59) in Sugar Land to the future Fort Bend Parkway. They are also very slowly doing planning work for the Fort Bend Parkway extension which connects to the Grand Parkway.
See items 10 and 11: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wf_eclrTX2nGJ7pcG8cMqs332d0XYb7T/view (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wf_eclrTX2nGJ7pcG8cMqs332d0XYb7T/view)

South and east of the Grand Parkway/Fort Bend Parkway intersection, I'm not aware of any activity on Segment C, which extends to SH 288.

Section B is from SH 288 to IH-45. It has strong local support and is probably the next section to have main lane construction activity. (Some feeder road construction is possible in Sugar Land.) However, I don't know what level of activity is in progress at this time.

Galveston and Brazoria counties are in a big hurry to develop areas vulnerable to major hurricane storm surges.  While at the same time arguing that they (and Harris, Chambers counties) couldn't possibly pay for the Ike Dike without mostly Fed/state funding, and a tax on flood zone developments would be hugely unfair.

(https://cdn.hpm.io/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/07182000/noaa-storm-surge.png)

(If you look closely, that image is only for a Cat 4.)

Quote from: TXtoNJ on June 15, 2021, 01:32:51 PM

Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 15, 2021, 01:20:38 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 09:47:53 AM

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

The Hempstead Tollway is most likely dead, and TxDOT is trying to replace it with 2x2 toll-free managed lanes along the same alignment. The managed lanes are proposed to be elevated inside BW8 to reduce right-of-way requirements. TxDOT is asking H-GAC to modify the long-term plan to include the elevated managed lanes, but as of tomorrow's meeting H-GAC is not including the change. H-GAC is also rejecting TxDOT's request for managed lanes on the West Loop and on the inner Katy Freeway.
https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf)

The freeway expansion era is largely over in Houston, it seems. We'll probably see a few projects get finished (if in a reduced state, I don't expect I-45 north of DT to get expanded), but anything on a new ROW (except for SH 35 and everything other than Segment A of the Grand Parkway) is done, and reconstructions will almost certainly be no capacity added.

I think 25 years of PAINFUL reconstructions, along with apparently-limited benefits (even if the actual benefits were fairly good), has shifted the political climate away from expansion anywhere inside Beltway 8.

Disagree, far more than 'limited' benefits.  In the last 21 years only the DFW Combined Statistical Area has had a larger total number of population increase (not percentage) in the US (not even the LA CSA grew as much in raw numbers.)  Harris County would be choking from congestion now if those improvements hadn't been made.  That's like arguing buying new clothes for a kid from age 6 to 18 is of 'limited benefit'.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM
The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

Perhaps the best thing the Houston transit agency has done was use HOT/HOV lanes to build out a bus network for longer distance commuters.  More cost effective and extensive in the short term.

However, their commuter rail planning has been pretty much a joke.  It seems pretty clear that for much of the last couple of decades they internally viewed a commuter rail network as a threat to their precious light-rail plans.  There's only so much money to go around, and nowhere near enough to build their, and the city council's provincial LRT wish lists, before even a penny could be committed to commuter rail.  Cost, control, and politics results in just a few planned commuter rail lines (there's potential for a pretty extensive network) and ending them at outer LRT/busway transit hubs instead of providing a 1-seat ride all the way to downtown.

Don't get me wrong, LRT is important and a good way to increase and properly serve denser development inside the loop.  But a huge problem is that to stretch lines into so many councilmembers pet districts, they had to somewhat design and build on the cheap.  Thus a lot of very slow running that makes it take too long once you try and use it from very far outside the loop.  It takes 30 minutes to ride less than 7 miles from the 610 south parking lots to downtown.  Hence the wisdom of feeding the central core of LRT with suburban commuter bus lines, even though it requires a transfer (though an extensive LRT network would still require lots of transfers, that's unavoidable in a multi-hub network.)

Complicating matters is that after the South Main line they've focused more on putting LRT in councilmembers pet districts over serving major job hubs beyond downtown and the Med Ctr, like the Galleria area.  The ridership numbers would be higher, if accurately estimated (transit agencies are great about manipulating the estimates to show what they and their political masters want.  To the point of flat out lying, dig down and look at the assumptions they make in creating their estimates.)  But of course the race card is always ready to be played, so we got certain favored mostly residential (and to be fair, some dense redevelopment potential) neighborhoods served instead.

I went to a Metro meeting about their mid and long range transit plan they were pushing at the time (right after they told TXDOT that they wanted their portion of the Katy Fwy rebuild to be bus HOT only, no LRT or commuter rail.
So yeah, long ago.)  They flat out lied to the audience, telling them what they wanted to hear.  That the proposed LRT line from downtown to Intercontinental Airport using surface streets would be super fast because it would be elevated the entire way and would be one of the first in line and funding shouldn't be a hindrance.  Ha!  They knew they could never afford elevated along the entire route, they knew the cost/rider wouldn't meet the fed requirements at the time for project eligibility, and they knew that any airport line, if routed up surface streets, would be a phased buildout because of distance.  And they knew their time estimates were just bait and switch unachievable for such a routing.

But on the flip side, when asked why they weren't proposing in early or mid  phases commuter rail to downtown on the existing rail corridor towards Galveston, it was one reason after another why it just wasn't feasible.  Too expensive because it required 3 grade separations over major freight lines.  True, yet a starter single track, off the shelf, diesel commuter rail line built in that freight RR ROW to Clear Lake City would still be much cheaper than dual electrified LRT tracks built into street ROW, and the more complex grade separations that parallel LRT line just to Harrisburg would require.

Again, I think their ultimate choice of suburban HOT bus feeding central LRT was mostly the right choice.  I was just disgusted at the pandering and widespread dishonesty I've seen for years out of Metro, and their jealous provincialism.  They should have preserved corridor in the planned I-45 reroute and reroute of the downtown freight line, so as to serve a future commuter rail hub station at either the Post Office site or the bus barns on the east side of the UH-Downtown LRT station.  Either site could be connected to the downtown tunnel system with enclosed walkways and perhaps moving sidewalks, which would allow many commuters to walk the last segment to their jobs no matter how hot or rainy it gets.  That would encourage some conversion from car commutes, and reduce overloading of the Main Street LRT line.  But instead they've always gone with the further away future Burnett hub station, which every plan I've seen is would not have the footprint to handle enough tracks for a full CR network and possible intercity/HSR network.  Short-sighted. 

Commuter rail is complex, and probably not yet ripe for development in Houston.  You have to work out agreements with the freight railroad owners, and that is not guaranteed.  Union Pacific RR killed off the proposed SA-Austin commuter rail line that wanted to share its ROW.  Though perhaps the time is right for Congress to finally take on the freight RR monopoly/duopoly and reduce some of their leverage.  But that would require Congress to go some big donors to their campaigns.

So bottom line, unless Harris County and Houston have a big change in preferences, a CR network will be a missed future opportunity that will likely never happen.  DFW, Miami-Ft.L-Palm Beach, Austin-SA, Denver, Salt Lake City, DC, and Seattle have all figured out how to properly plan for an integrated network of bus, LRT, and CR where appropriate.  Houston?  Doesn't seem like they'll ever learn.

Houston is not nearly as badly congested as many people think it is. It ranked #224 in the world in the 2019 TomTom Congestion Index, which is a very low position for a metropolitan area of this size and with a huge population growth.

https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/traffic-index/ranking/

Quote from: armadillo speedbump on June 18, 2021, 02:43:01 AM

Quote from: TXtoNJ on June 15, 2021, 01:32:51 PM

Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 15, 2021, 01:20:38 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 09:47:53 AM

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

The Hempstead Tollway is most likely dead, and TxDOT is trying to replace it with 2x2 toll-free managed lanes along the same alignment. The managed lanes are proposed to be elevated inside BW8 to reduce right-of-way requirements. TxDOT is asking H-GAC to modify the long-term plan to include the elevated managed lanes, but as of tomorrow's meeting H-GAC is not including the change. H-GAC is also rejecting TxDOT's request for managed lanes on the West Loop and on the inner Katy Freeway.
https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf)

The freeway expansion era is largely over in Houston, it seems. We'll probably see a few projects get finished (if in a reduced state, I don't expect I-45 north of DT to get expanded), but anything on a new ROW (except for SH 35 and everything other than Segment A of the Grand Parkway) is done, and reconstructions will almost certainly be no capacity added.

I think 25 years of PAINFUL reconstructions, along with apparently-limited benefits (even if the actual benefits were fairly good), has shifted the political climate away from expansion anywhere inside Beltway 8.

Disagree, far more than 'limited' benefits.  In the last 21 years only the DFW Combined Statistical Area has had a larger total number of population increase (not percentage) in the US (not even the LA CSA grew as much in raw numbers.)  Harris County would be choking from congestion now if those improvements hadn't been made.  That's like arguing buying new clothes for a kid from age 6 to 18 is of 'limited benefit'.

Did you miss both the "apparently" and the "(even if the actual benefits were pretty good)" parts?

The problem isn't what came out of the construction, it's that the construction was as bad as it was (partially due to TxDOT practices in the Houston area that they show absolutely no signs of willingness to reconsider), and there are still traffic jams. You can shout until you're blue in the face that it's because of growth, but people don't necessarily want to hear it.

The metro Houston area has grown a great deal. That is a primary source of traffic congestion.

But another source of traffic snarls is due to the outdated design of Houston's surface street grid. There are virtually no filtering mechanisms designed in the surface street systems within the I-610 loop. It's a free for all of intersections and driveways emptying out directly into every major surface arterial. And then there's lots and lots and lots of traffic lights. In Houston it's possible for surface street traffic grid-lock to end up overflowing onto the freeway exit ramps and then the freeways themselves.

Going far enough out from the city core, near Loop 8 and beyond, there are newer neighborhoods and developments where more thought was put into street design. Look at a wealthy area, like The Woodlands, and you'll see surface arterials done right. There are very few intersections and a very limited number of driveways. The neighborhood and retail developments have their own self-contained street grids with only a limited number of outlets onto the main roads. That can help control the amount of traffic flow going to something nearby like a freeway. This kind of approach with surface street design combined with ample freeway capacity can make traffic less of a headache. The design philosophy isn't perfect though. Major retail developments are traffic magnets unto themselves. And when they're right next to a freeway problems can happen anyway.

At any rate, one thing that needs to happen in Houston within the I-610 loop is a big overhaul of surface streets.

Quote from: armadillo speedbump on June 18, 2021, 02:43:01 AM

Quote from: TXtoNJ on June 15, 2021, 01:32:51 PM

Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 15, 2021, 01:20:38 PM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 15, 2021, 09:47:53 AM

Quote from: Chris on June 15, 2021, 04:31:48 AM

Quote from: thisdj78 on June 14, 2021, 11:23:18 PM290 is pretty much finished now.

Is the Hempstead Tollway still on the radar, or has that project faded away after the ban on new toll roads?

I believe it was originally planned to be built simultaneously with US 290, to be a system of express lanes on a parallel alignment instead of in the median.

I believe it's dead now. They rebuilt 290 with a separated reversible HOV/Bus lane in the middle and a high occupancy lane going each direction as part of the main lanes.

The Hempstead Tollway is most likely dead, and TxDOT is trying to replace it with 2x2 toll-free managed lanes along the same alignment. The managed lanes are proposed to be elevated inside BW8 to reduce right-of-way requirements. TxDOT is asking H-GAC to modify the long-term plan to include the elevated managed lanes, but as of tomorrow's meeting H-GAC is not including the change. H-GAC is also rejecting TxDOT's request for managed lanes on the West Loop and on the inner Katy Freeway.
https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/media/hgac/transportation-advisory-committee/meeting-agendas/documents/2021/june/ITEM-07.pdf)

The freeway expansion era is largely over in Houston, it seems. We'll probably see a few projects get finished (if in a reduced state, I don't expect I-45 north of DT to get expanded), but anything on a new ROW (except for SH 35 and everything other than Segment A of the Grand Parkway) is done, and reconstructions will almost certainly be no capacity added.

I think 25 years of PAINFUL reconstructions, along with apparently-limited benefits (even if the actual benefits were fairly good), has shifted the political climate away from expansion anywhere inside Beltway 8.

Disagree, far more than 'limited' benefits.  In the last 21 years only the DFW Combined Statistical Area has had a larger total number of population increase (not percentage) in the US (not even the LA CSA grew as much in raw numbers.)  Harris County would be choking from congestion now if those improvements hadn't been made.  That's like arguing buying new clothes for a kid from age 6 to 18 is of 'limited benefit'.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 15, 2021, 05:13:35 PM
The mass transit map is even more exciting. I didn't know Houston actually had two commuter rail lines planned. Nevertheless, I see some glaring holes in that light rail map. Hobby Airport needs to be connected, and I think that there should be a line going all the way out to League City (or even Kemah or Galveston, but that's probably unfeasible). Plus I would extend the southern line all the way to Pearland given all the people who live there who work at the Medical Center.

Perhaps the best thing the Houston transit agency has done was use HOT/HOV lanes to build out a bus network for longer distance commuters.  More cost effective and extensive in the short term.

However, their commuter rail planning has been pretty much a joke.  It seems pretty clear that for much of the last couple of decades they internally viewed a commuter rail network as a threat to their precious light-rail plans.  There's only so much money to go around, and nowhere near enough to build their, and the city council's provincial LRT wish lists, before even a penny could be committed to commuter rail.  Cost, control, and politics results in just a few planned commuter rail lines (there's potential for a pretty extensive network) and ending them at outer LRT/busway transit hubs instead of providing a 1-seat ride all the way to downtown.

Don't get me wrong, LRT is important and a good way to increase and properly serve denser development inside the loop.  But a huge problem is that to stretch lines into so many councilmembers pet districts, they had to somewhat design and build on the cheap.  Thus a lot of very slow running that makes it take too long once you try and use it from very far outside the loop.  It takes 30 minutes to ride less than 7 miles from the 610 south parking lots to downtown.  Hence the wisdom of feeding the central core of LRT with suburban commuter bus lines, even though it requires a transfer (though an extensive LRT network would still require lots of transfers, that's unavoidable in a multi-hub network.)

Complicating matters is that after the South Main line they've focused more on putting LRT in councilmembers pet districts over serving major job hubs beyond downtown and the Med Ctr, like the Galleria area.  The ridership numbers would be higher, if accurately estimated (transit agencies are great about manipulating the estimates to show what they and their political masters want.  To the point of flat out lying, dig down and look at the assumptions they make in creating their estimates.)  But of course the race card is always ready to be played, so we got certain favored mostly residential (and to be fair, some dense redevelopment potential) neighborhoods served instead.

I went to a Metro meeting about their mid and long range transit plan they were pushing at the time (right after they told TXDOT that they wanted their portion of the Katy Fwy rebuild to be bus HOT only, no LRT or commuter rail.
So yeah, long ago.)  They flat out lied to the audience, telling them what they wanted to hear.  That the proposed LRT line from downtown to Intercontinental Airport using surface streets would be super fast because it would be elevated the entire way and would be one of the first in line and funding shouldn't be a hindrance.  Ha!  They knew they could never afford elevated along the entire route, they knew the cost/rider wouldn't meet the fed requirements at the time for project eligibility, and they knew that any airport line, if routed up surface streets, would be a phased buildout because of distance.  And they knew their time estimates were just bait and switch unachievable for such a routing.

But on the flip side, when asked why they weren't proposing in early or mid  phases commuter rail to downtown on the existing rail corridor towards Galveston, it was one reason after another why it just wasn't feasible.  Too expensive because it required 3 grade separations over major freight lines.  True, yet a starter single track, off the shelf, diesel commuter rail line built in that freight RR ROW to Clear Lake City would still be much cheaper than dual electrified LRT tracks built into street ROW, and the more complex grade separations that parallel LRT line just to Harrisburg would require.

Again, I think their ultimate choice of suburban HOT bus feeding central LRT was mostly the right choice.  I was just disgusted at the pandering and widespread dishonesty I've seen for years out of Metro, and their jealous provincialism.  They should have preserved corridor in the planned I-45 reroute and reroute of the downtown freight line, so as to serve a future commuter rail hub station at either the Post Office site or the bus barns on the east side of the UH-Downtown LRT station.  Either site could be connected to the downtown tunnel system with enclosed walkways and perhaps moving sidewalks, which would allow many commuters to walk the last segment to their jobs no matter how hot or rainy it gets.  That would encourage some conversion from car commutes, and reduce overloading of the Main Street LRT line.  But instead they've always gone with the further away future Burnett hub station, which every plan I've seen is would not have the footprint to handle enough tracks for a full CR network and possible intercity/HSR network.  Short-sighted. 

Commuter rail is complex, and probably not yet ripe for development in Houston.  You have to work out agreements with the freight railroad owners, and that is not guaranteed.  Union Pacific RR killed off the proposed SA-Austin commuter rail line that wanted to share its ROW.  Though perhaps the time is right for Congress to finally take on the freight RR monopoly/duopoly and reduce some of their leverage.  But that would require Congress to go some big donors to their campaigns.

So bottom line, unless Harris County and Houston have a big change in preferences, a CR network will be a missed future opportunity that will likely never happen.  DFW, Miami-Ft.L-Palm Beach, Austin-SA, Denver, Salt Lake City, DC, and Seattle have all figured out how to properly plan for an integrated network of bus, LRT, and CR where appropriate.  Houston?  Doesn't seem like they'll ever learn.

What Houston needs mass transit wise is a Metro like Washington DC's limited spokes, everyone connecting in the center, like their HOT bus system. It would move more people and real estate developers will make money building near the stations, just as they do now in DC. If you want a Metro system go big but simple, not a single LRT line and think its progress.

Was recently looking at TxDOT's excellent  Project Tracker (https://apps3.txdot.gov/apps-cq/project_tracker/), and I noticed several corridors are being studied for widening:

- Katy Freeway between I-45 and I-610 (presumably as part of the Katy rebuild)
- SH 35 between Alvin and Angleton from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
- SH 288 between the future Grand Parkway and SH 332 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes
- SH 332 between 288 and Brazoria from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
- SH 249 from I-45 to Beltway 8
- Several other FM roads from 2 lanes to 4 lanes

I knew about the Katy Freeway rebuild, but I was pleasantly surprised to see 288 on the widening list. That section is pretty busy and (at the risk of sounding like FritzOwl) is sorely needed. The roadway will also be redone at about the same time.

The website also lists Grand Parkway segment C-2 as beginning construction in a few years.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 25, 2021, 07:16:11 PM
Was recently looking at TxDOT's excellent  Project Tracker (https://apps3.txdot.gov/apps-cq/project_tracker/), and I noticed several corridors are being studied for widening:

- Katy Freeway between I-45 and I-610 (presumably as part of the Katy rebuild)
- SH 35 between Alvin and Angleton from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
- SH 288 between the future Grand Parkway and SH 332 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes
- SH 332 between 288 and Brazoria from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
- SH 249 from I-45 to Beltway 8
- Several other FM roads from 2 lanes to 4 lanes

I knew about the Katy Freeway rebuild, but I was pleasantly surprised to see 288 on the widening list. That section is pretty busy and (at the risk of sounding like FritzOwl) is sorely needed. The roadway will also be redone at about the same time.

The website also lists Grand Parkway segment C-2 as beginning construction in a few years.

With SH 249, are they just gonna pull a S. Main/US-90 Alt (between I-610 to S Gessener Rd) or are they gonna pull a Westpark Tollway (where the build the frontage roads on the two sides before building the freeway or tollway itself)?

Also, will the extension be a freeway or a tollway?
And will there be direct connector @ I-45? (unlike with S. Main/US-90 Alt @ I-610)

Quote from: TheBox on July 02, 2021, 12:58:52 PM

With SH 249, are they just gonna pull a S. Main/US-90 Alt (between I-610 to S Gessener Rd) or are they gonna pull a Westpark Tollway (where the build the frontage roads on the two sides before building the freeway or tollway itself)?

Also, will the extension be a freeway or a tollway?
And will there be direct connector @ I-45? (unlike with S. Main/US-90 Alt @ I-610)

It is going to be a regular street with 8 lanes. I just looked at the schematic and it has 19 traffic signals between IH-45 and BW8.

I would have liked to see a design like South Main, but that won't happen.

Probably no need for a freeway here, since the Sam Houston Tollway offers the needed access from 249 to I-45.

Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 04, 2021, 02:06:55 AM
Probably no need for a freeway here, since the Sam Houston Tollway offers the needed access from 249 to I-45.

I travel on the road often when visiting family, it's a high traffic corridor and it could definitely use a limited access upgrade IMO. Especially the stretch between BW8 and Montgomery Rd.

Quote from: thisdj78 on July 04, 2021, 03:24:51 AM

Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 04, 2021, 02:06:55 AM
Probably no need for a freeway here, since the Sam Houston Tollway offers the needed access from 249 to I-45.

I travel on the road often when visiting family, it's a high traffic corridor and it could definitely use a limited access upgrade IMO. Especially the stretch between BW8 and Montgomery Rd.

When I lived in magnolia and commutes downtown with my grandmother everyday, traffic was always heavy enough to warrant a freeway or some kind of limited access. Frankly that stretch has more traffic than south main, hardy, Westpark, or the new tollway section through tomball.

The new Elysian Viaduct bridge connecting downtown and the north side has opened:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/Traffic-returns-to-Elysian-Viaduct-Houston-s-16320152.php

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 19, 2021, 11:28:59 AM
The new Elysian Viaduct bridge connecting downtown and the north side has opened:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/Traffic-returns-to-Elysian-Viaduct-Houston-s-16320152.php

this is good news.  I live in the east end and this could be a good alternate route when the train is stopped on Hirsch

Whenever they start working on this "Alvin Freeway (or Tollway)", which will be over Mywaka Rd for a good portion of it.
Are they just gonna pull a US-90 Alt/S. Main (between I-610 and S Gessner), or are they gonna pull a I-610/West Loop over the Post Oak Roads (between S. Post Oak and the Galleria area)?

i'm leaning more towards the former, cause it looks like there's not much space on Mykawa Rd, at least to me

Quote from: TheBox on July 22, 2021, 10:11:54 PM
Whenever they start working on this "Alvin Freeway (or Tollway)", which will be over Mywaka Rd for a good portion of it.
Are they just gonna pull a US-90 Alt/S. Main (between I-610 and S Gessner), or are they gonna pull a I-610/West Loop over the Post Oak Roads (between S. Post Oak and the Galleria area)?

i'm leaning more towards the former, cause it looks like there's not much space on Mykawa Rd, at least to me

There's enough space, they probably will run the train tracks down the median like MOPAC freeway in Austin, which isn't a very wide freeway but yet they still managed to add two new toll lanes 6+ years ago.

Quote from: thisdj78 on July 23, 2021, 12:49:28 AM

Quote from: TheBox on July 22, 2021, 10:11:54 PM
Whenever they start working on this "Alvin Freeway (or Tollway)", which will be over Mywaka Rd for a good portion of it.
Are they just gonna pull a US-90 Alt/S. Main (between I-610 and S Gessner), or are they gonna pull a I-610/West Loop over the Post Oak Roads (between S. Post Oak and the Galleria area)?

i'm leaning more towards the former, cause it looks like there's not much space on Mykawa Rd, at least to me

There's enough space, they probably will run the train tracks down the median like MOPAC freeway in Austin, which isn't a very wide freeway but yet they still managed to add two new toll lanes 6+ years ago.

Yes. There are 200 ft available on the corridor. With Mykawa as the feeders (44 ft) and the rail corridor subtracted (36 ft), that leaves 120 ft available for mainlanes. Three 12 ft lanes per side (72 ft) gives you 48 ft to work with for everything else.

A little update on two projects in the Houston metro I've had the pleasure of visiting in the past month (sorry, no pictures):

TX 146 Kemah/Clear Lake Bridge & Freeway Project
Didn't get a great look at this, as I was in a bus and didn't go across the bridge, but the southern approach to the bridge is coming along nicely. The metal beams forming the bridge deck all are in place. No work appears to be done on the SB feeder (assuming there will be one). This will all be completed by early 2023.

TX 36 Widening, Western Brazoria County & Fort Bend County
I was almost completely unaware that this project was so far along. The project to expand TX 36 from 2 to 4 lanes extends from Pleak to West Columbia (for those unfamiliar, this is south-southwest of the Houston metro). I drove the section south of Damon this weekend. TxDOT is twinning the current two lane road, making a divided highway with quite a nice, large median. For the section I drove, concrete was almost completely poured and ready except for the bridge over Varner Creek, which looks way behind schedule at first glance (only piers atm, but lots of work vehicles were in the area, so perhaps TxDOT saved it for last). There will be no bypasses of any towns along the route, and it is supposed to be complete by October of this year, but I would be surprised if it opens any earlier than 2023.

That being said, this is a valuable project that will increase safety and evacuation capacity, as I have argued for a while.

Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

There's actually quite a lot of highway improvement activity happening in the Houston metro outside of the downtown area. It's the downtown zone that is the problem. The I-45/I-69/I-10 project has been getting hit with all sorts of road blocks.

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

Quote from: Bobby5280 on June 21, 2022, 11:03:06 AM
There's actually quite a lot of highway improvement activity happening in the Houston metro outside of the downtown area. It's the downtown zone that is the problem. The I-45/I-69/I-10 project has been getting hit with all sorts of road blocks.

The second post in this thread has a lot of great information about new projects in the Houston area that are coming up soon.

Are there any plans to fill in the Crosby Freeway "main lane" gaps over Greens Bayou, and near Purple Sage Rd.? Also, will the Hardy Toll Road be extended, and are they still planning to tear down the Pierce Elvated?

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 21, 2022, 05:41:27 PM
Are there any plans to fill in the Crosby Freeway "main lane" gaps over Greens Bayou, and near Purple Sage Rd.? Also, will the Hardy Toll Road be extended, and are they still planning to tear down the Pierce Elvated?

The County (HCTRA is a sub-unit of Harris County)has recently made some property purchases that seem to indicate the HTR will be extended past I-610. That said, the commissioners court's actions tends to change after each election. 

The official plan is still to tear down the Pierce Elevated WHEN the revised downtown loop putting I-45 and I-69 together around the southeast side of downtown and I-45 and I-10 on the north side of Downtown.  This is PROBABLY 15 years off if they start the process back tomorrow.

Don't know anything about the Crosby freeway (US-90).  You have to remember, though, SH-288 was that way for DECADES. SH -114 in north Texas likewise.

Quote from: bwana39 on June 21, 2022, 06:40:56 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 21, 2022, 05:41:27 PM
Are there any plans to fill in the Crosby Freeway "main lane" gaps over Greens Bayou, and near Purple Sage Rd.? Also, will the Hardy Toll Road be extended, and are they still planning to tear down the Pierce Elvated?

The County (HCTRA is a sub-unit of Harris County)has recently made some property purchases that seem to indicate the HTR will be extended past I-610. That said, the commissioners court's actions tends to change after each election. 

The official plan is still to tear down the Pierce Elevated WHEN the revised downtown loop putting I-45 and I-69 together around the southeast side of downtown and I-45 and I-10 on the north side of Downtown.  This is PROBABLY 15 years off if they start the process back tomorrow.

Don't know anything about the Crosby freeway (US-90).  You have to remember, though, SH-288 was that way for DECADES. SH -114 in north Texas likewise.

There is no "official" plan for the Pierce Elevated. I'm not even aware of any informal plans. If NHHIP moves forward to construction, there are folks who want to remove the Pierce Elevated, folks who are advocating to turn it into a park (like the NYC High Line), and conceptual animation for a Houston managed lanes network (the REAL network) shows it as a transportation link in that system. If NHHIP proceeds to construction, work to relocate I-45 off the Pierce Elevated would start in 2028 at the earliest and more likely 2030 or after. So it would be the mid-2030s before I-45 is actually relocated.

As for the Hardy Toll Road, there is a separate thread about it. Currently it is on hold in an uncertain state, with the current majority of Harris County Commissioner's court against it. But there are longstanding agreements for the county to build it.

As for the Crosby Freeway, the missing links of main lanes are not scheduled in the 10-year plan.
https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/bca078be-2e62-4d11-9df8-3f384c439af2/fy-2021-draft-ten-year-plan.pdf (https://www.h-gac.com/getmedia/bca078be-2e62-4d11-9df8-3f384c439af2/fy-2021-draft-ten-year-plan.pdf)

Speaking of uncertain state, Wikipedia still mention the Hempstead tollway who's might be now put on the ice. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_290#Future

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

There is still a shopping list of upgrades all over the Greater metro area; so far in this 2020's decade alone:

1.  The I-45/SH-35 (the Alvin exit) interchange is being built.
2.  The length of I-45 from NASA to Texas City is being expanded.
3.  The I-69/I-610 (near the Galleria) interchange is being revised.
4.  The length of I-69 from Sugar Land to Rosenburg is being expanded.
5.  The length of I-10 West freeway expansion might be soon beginning from Katy to Brookshire.
6.  The length of US-290 is being expanded from I-610 to FM-1960.
7.  The SH-288/Beltway 8 interchange....might even be opened by now.
8.  SH-288/I-610 South interchange is being built.
9.  The SH-288 South Freeway is being expanded from Downtown to Pearland (and then to be upgraded to interstate standards all the way to Freeport in the future so I was informed on here)

Those are just off the top of my mind.  Anything else have I not mentioned yet?

Quote from: jgb191 on June 22, 2022, 12:03:18 AM
7.  The SH-288/Beltway 8 interchange....might even be opened by now.

It's now open and fully functionnal from what I saw on Google Streetview. https://goo.gl/maps/jnJ1RBP5jKUc5Zps7

Quote from: jgb191 on June 22, 2022, 12:03:18 AM

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

There is still a shopping list of upgrades all over the Greater metro area; so far in this 2020's decade alone:

1.  The I-45/SH-35 (the Alvin exit) interchange is being built.
2.  The length of I-45 from NASA to Texas City is being expanded.
3.  The I-69/I-610 (near the Galleria) interchange is being revised.
4.  The length of I-69 from Sugar Land to Rosenburg is being expanded.
5.  The length of I-10 West freeway expansion might be soon beginning from Katy to Brookshire.
6.  The length of US-290 is being expanded from I-610 to FM-1960.
7.  The SH-288/Beltway 8 interchange....might even be opened by now.
8.  SH-288/I-610 South interchange is being built.
9.  The SH-288 South Freeway is being expanded from Downtown to Pearland (and then to be upgraded to interstate standards all the way to Freeport in the future so I was informed on here)

Those are just off the top of my mind.  Anything else have I not mentioned yet?

(https://i.imgur.com/oxJjLAD.png)

Here's what's in Dallas-Fort Worth's 2045 plan, at least before the update which added several new projects, most notably a freeway along US 380.

I'm seeing lots of interchange projects. And if we look at

Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 21, 2022, 07:49:54 PM

Quote from: bwana39 on June 21, 2022, 06:40:56 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 21, 2022, 05:41:27 PM
Are there any plans to fill in the Crosby Freeway "main lane" gaps over Greens Bayou, and near Purple Sage Rd.? Also, will the Hardy Toll Road be extended, and are they still planning to tear down the Pierce Elevated?

The official plan is still to tear down the Pierce Elevated WHEN the revised downtown loop putting I-45 and I-69 together around the southeast side of downtown and I-45 and I-10 on the north side of Downtown.  This is PROBABLY 15 years off if they start the process back tomorrow.

There is no "official" plan for the Pierce Elevated. I'm not even aware of any informal plans. If NHHIP moves forward to construction, there are folks who want to remove the Pierce Elevated, folks who are advocating to turn it into a park (like the NYC High Line), and conceptual animation for a Houston managed lanes network (the REAL network) shows it as a transportation link in that system. If NHHIP proceeds to construction, work to relocate I-45 off the Pierce Elevated would start in 2028 at the earliest and more likely 2030 or after. So it would be the mid-2030s before I-45 is actually relocated.

Max you are technically correct.What are the only thing seemingly set in stone for the Pierce Elevated is the fact that once (if?) I-45 is relocated that that the Pierce Elevated would be "Surplus R.O.W. "   https://www.txdot.gov/nhhip.html

Each of the options you have mentioned has been proposed. One option imagines it as a HOV or other express lane configuration. A different option sees it reimagined as a deck park. The other seeming option is removal and repurposing the R.O.W. The first two seemingly negate the purpose of relocating the freeway. Even a park (25' above the ground) doesn't "reconnect" the neighborhood(s).

For the urbanists to be happy, it has to be removed. For it to add commercial property value, it has to come out. For it to remove the "barrier" between Downtown and mid-town, it has to come out. While expansion of capacity in its current footprint is nearly impossible, expanded capacity was never a part of this discussion except for TxDOT. The sole reason for moving I-45 was the urbanists (and covertly; the developers) desire to remove the Pierce Elevated.

If I-610 had been the inner freeway loop as opposed to I-10, US-59, and I-45 back in the 1960's we wouldn't be having this discussion. Would downtown be a better place if The  Southwest freeway had just ended in the current Spur-527, the Gulf Freeway had ended in Pease and Jefferson Streets, the North Freeway had ended in Lamar and Dallas Streets, and the Eastex Freeway had ended in Jackson and Chenevert Streets? Maybe. The problem is we have close to 6 decades of traffic patterns that now would dictate needing freeway access across downtown.  Removing the Pierce elevated changes that minimally.

For me, removing it is a boondoggle. Expanding the capacity around the east and north sides of downtown might be a need. For me, it would make more sense to renumber the western side (Pierce elevated and the southern reaches of the North Freeway) as SH-288 once the new expansion is complete. This  would be an option especially with the main direction of I-45 rerouted by prevailing intersections.

This all said. Nothing short of removing it down to the dirt will make the urbanists happy!

Quote from: jgb191 on June 22, 2022, 12:03:18 AM

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

There is still a shopping list of upgrades all over the Greater metro area; so far in this 2020's decade alone:

1.  The I-45/SH-35 (the Alvin exit) interchange is being built.
2.  The length of I-45 from NASA to Texas City is being expanded.
3.  The I-69/I-610 (near the Galleria) interchange is being revised.
4.  The length of I-69 from Sugar Land to Rosenburg is being expanded.
5.  The length of I-10 West freeway expansion might be soon beginning from Katy to Brookshire.
6.  The length of US-290 is being expanded from I-610 to FM-1960.
7.  The SH-288/Beltway 8 interchange....might even be opened by now. Now Open
8.  SH-288/I-610 South interchange is being built. Now Open
9.  The SH-288 South Freeway is being expanded from Downtown to Pearland (and then to be upgraded to interstate standards all the way to Freeport in the future so I was informed on here) The recent work on the toll lanes is all finished to Manvel. I'm aware of long-term plans to 3x3 288 to Lake Jackson and potentially 4x2x2x4ing it in the Houston metro, but I don't know when that gets done. The end goal is for it to be a freeway all the way to Freeport. Speaking of Freeport, the TX 288/TX 332/TX 288 B interchange in that area was just recently refurbished with new pavement and more lanes.

Those are just off the top of my mind.  Anything else have I not mentioned yet?

10. The Fort Bend Tollway is getting extended.
11. The Beltway 8 Ship Channel bridge is being built right now.
12. SH 146 is getting some freeway upgrades in and around the Kemah area.
13. The I-610 Ship Channel bridge will be rebuilt sometime in the next 10-20 years.
14. Lots of the Grand Parkway still needs to be built.
15. A new freeway paralleling TX-35 will be built all the way to Alvin (as you hinted at)
16. The I-69/TX 288 interchange is going to be rebuilt at some point, regardless of whether NHHIP goes through, I believe.
17. Speaking of that, that's not even including the NHHIP if it does fall through. That would rebuild I-45 on the north side and radically shift downtown freeways.
18. The Westpark Tollway will be extended.
19. Kind of a stretch, but I believe the Aggieland Expressway will be extended to near Navasota.

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

Yes, I think the plan(s) in Houston is more modest. The North Texas plans have always been more ambitious. The outcomes in reality have tended to be similar. North Texas plans and never builds or significantly delays many things on the plans. The stuff in Houston tends to be more likely to be built and in a smaller timeline.

The planning in North Texas today tends to be more coordinated and the planning in the Houston area tends to be more driven by the individual counties and to a lesser degree the individual cities.

Add to this, Houston (proper) and Harris County is more progressive. North Texas seems to be significantly more conservative. Dallas county and the city of Dallas are not firmly under the control of those who support the urbanist ideals.  Harris County and to a lesser extent the city of Houston are firmly controlled by people who seem to support the urbanist dogma.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 22, 2022, 09:31:27 AM

Quote from: jgb191 on June 22, 2022, 12:03:18 AM

Quote from: kernals12 on June 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM
Is it just me or does Houston have a less ambitious highway improvement plan than Texas' other metros? Is it just because NHHIP is diverting all the money and attention?

There is still a shopping list of upgrades all over the Greater metro area; so far in this 2020's decade alone:

1.  The I-45/SH-35 (the Alvin exit) interchange is being built.
2.  The length of I-45 from NASA to Texas City is being expanded.
3.  The I-69/I-610 (near the Galleria) interchange is being revised.
4.  The length of I-69 from Sugar Land to Rosenburg is being expanded.
5.  The length of I-10 West freeway expansion might be soon beginning from Katy to Brookshire.
6.  The length of US-290 is being expanded from I-610 to FM-1960.
7.  The SH-288/Beltway 8 interchange....might even be opened by now. Now Open
8.  SH-288/I-610 South interchange is being built. Now Open
9.  The SH-288 South Freeway is being expanded from Downtown to Pearland (and then to be upgraded to interstate standards all the way to Freeport in the future so I was informed on here) The recent work on the toll lanes is all finished to Manvel. I'm aware of long-term plans to 3x3 288 to Lake Jackson and potentially 4x2x2x4ing it in the Houston metro, but I don't know when that gets done. The end goal is for it to be a freeway all the way to Freeport. Speaking of Freeport, the TX 288/TX 332/TX 288 B interchange in that area was just recently refurbished with new pavement and more lanes.

Those are just off the top of my mind.  Anything else have I not mentioned yet?

10. The Fort Bend Tollway is getting extended.
11. The Beltway 8 Ship Channel bridge is being built right now.
12. SH 146 is getting some freeway upgrades in and around the Kemah area.
13. The I-610 Ship Channel bridge will be rebuilt sometime in the next 10-20 years.
14. Lots of the Grand Parkway still needs to be built.
15. A new freeway paralleling TX-35 will be built all the way to Alvin (as you hinted at)
16. The I-69/TX 288 interchange is going to be rebuilt at some point, regardless of whether NHHIP goes through, I believe.
17. Speaking of that, that's not even including the NHHIP if it does fall through. That would rebuild I-45 on the north side and radically shift downtown freeways.
18. The Westpark Tollway will be extended.
19. Kind of a stretch, but I believe the Aggieland Expressway will be extended to near Navasota.

20. Katy freeway modernization from downtown to the "recently"  reconstructed and widened portion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLG3ZvAspek

Public meeting on PEL for I-45 from Downtown to Beltway 8.

Traffic is already very bad now and, by 2045, they say the entire corridor will operate at LOS F in both directions at peak times with no improvements.

There is no space for widening without lots of ROW takings.

I think the only hope for relief is the Proposed Alvin Freeway

So....when will we hear some New Urbanist freak put out a "Rethink I-45" website calling for leveling I-45 north of I-610 and re-routing I-45 along the Sam Houston Tollway or I-610 and converting the old I-45 into a 4 lane boulevard because "HIGHWAYS SUCK AND FREEWAYS ARE RACIST!!!"

[/sarcasm]

Please Anthony_JK, do not give the new urbanists any ideas. They are crazy enough as it is.

When "new urbanists" complain that freeways are racist they're committing an act of ironic hypocrisy. The ideology of new urbanism is pretty much a ruse; it's a tool to promote gentrification and economic segregation.

Just about every urban center where all sorts of new urbanist inspired redevelopment efforts have been applied has also been affected by gentrification. That does even more to displace middle and lower income residents than building a freeway. Even if a person with a modest income owns his property outright he can be forced to sell and leave just from the rising cost of property taxes alone.

The "missing middle" syndrome in America's housing market is forcing a lot of workers in the lower tiers of the middle class to move in less desirable neighborhoods in their home city or move to an entirely different place where living costs are more affordable. But in places with far more affordable living costs, like here in Lawton, that comes with the trade-off of lower wage scales.

So when lawmakers want to pop-off speeches about freeways being racist they need to be forced to answer questions about their city's zoning policies and how those are even more racist or class warfare-driven than any freeway could ever hope to be. Let them explain that. The whole dream of New Urbanism and everyone living downtown within walking distance of work is a stinking lie as long as that redesigned downtown is only affordable as a living place to rich people.

According to the TxDOT Project Tracker, TX 288 is getting 4 new interchanges in Brazoria County that are in the beginning stages of being built right now. The intersections in question are Rodeo Palms Parkway/Del Bello Boulevard, CR 48, CR 57, and CR 64. In addition, the bridge at the CR 56/Meridiana Parkway interchange that opened just a couple years ago is already getting widened and (supposedly?) rebuilt. I just drove through the area and construction equipment is already on the site in these areas. A feeder is currently being built between Rodeo Palms Parkway and TX 6. Also, in that same area, Segment B of the Grand Parkway is being shown to start construction in less than 4 years.

These projects will greatly reduce the sections of 288 that are currently expressway and will increase safety. The only intersections left before 288 is completely freeway between Houston and Freeport after these projects are done will be CR 60, CR 51 (already getting a ton of development just in the last 2 years, so this one will probably get an interchange next), CR 48 near MSR Houston, and a tiny stub frontage road just to the north of the FM 2004 interchange that will probably never be touched. This all is kinda exciting news for the area as it continues to boom.

Quote from: CoreySamson on December 15, 2022, 08:29:43 PM
According to the TxDOT Project Tracker, TX 288 is getting 4 new interchanges in Brazoria County that are in the beginning stages of being built right now. The intersections in question are Rodeo Palms Parkway/Del Bello Boulevard, CR 48, CR 57, and CR 64. In addition, the bridge at the CR 56/Meridiana Parkway interchange that opened just a couple years ago is already getting widened and (supposedly?) rebuilt. I just drove through the area and construction equipment is already on the site in these areas. A feeder is currently being built between Rodeo Palms Parkway and TX 6. Also, in that same area, Segment B of the Grand Parkway is being shown to start construction in less than 4 years.

Are there any other frontage roads mentioned? The distance between Rodeo Palms and Croix Road to the north looks to be too short to work w/o frontage roads. Also, what's up with that weird arrangement south of the high school and north of CR63? An attempt to plan for a future interchange?

Quote
These projects will greatly reduce the sections of 288 that are currently expressway and will increase safety. The only intersections left before 288 is completely freeway between Houston and Freeport after these projects are done will be CR 60, CR 51 (already getting a ton of development just in the last 2 years, so this one will probably get an interchange next), CR 48 near MSR Houston, and a tiny stub frontage road just to the north of the FM 2004 interchange that will probably never be touched. This all is kinda exciting news for the area as it continues to boom.

No doubt. I'm old enough to remember our trips to Surfside Beach down old 288. Seemed to take forever to get there from Sharpstown.

Quote from: rte66man on December 17, 2022, 12:33:23 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on December 15, 2022, 08:29:43 PM
According to the TxDOT Project Tracker, TX 288 is getting 4 new interchanges in Brazoria County that are in the beginning stages of being built right now. The intersections in question are Rodeo Palms Parkway/Del Bello Boulevard, CR 48, CR 57, and CR 64. In addition, the bridge at the CR 56/Meridiana Parkway interchange that opened just a couple years ago is already getting widened and (supposedly?) rebuilt. I just drove through the area and construction equipment is already on the site in these areas. A feeder is currently being built between Rodeo Palms Parkway and TX 6. Also, in that same area, Segment B of the Grand Parkway is being shown to start construction in less than 4 years.

Are there any other frontage roads mentioned? The distance between Rodeo Palms and Croix Road to the north looks to be too short to work w/o frontage roads. Also, what's up with that weird arrangement south of the high school and north of CR63? An attempt to plan for a future interchange?

It looked like a feeder was being built from Croix Road to Rodeo Palms when I drove through the other day. It looks like TxDOT will eventually route 288's lanes over the feeder temporarily to build a traditionally styled Texas bridge over Rodeo Palms Parkway and Del Bello Boulevard. I didn't get a great look since it was dusk. And yes, I believe that strange arrangement is that way to prepare for a future interchange. IIRC there was a small regulatory sign at one of the CR intersections that stated "Future Interchange" or something like that. Hopefully maybe with these changes we can get a speed limit upgrade to 75 mph on the rural sections of 288.

Took a couple pictures of the construction on 288 I was referring to earlier since I was in the area today:

Quote from: CoreySamson on December 17, 2022, 03:33:29 PM
IIRC there was a small regulatory sign at one of the CR intersections that stated "Future Interchange" or something like that.

I did recall correctly. Apparently one of these signs still exists at the CR 48 intersection (on the right side of the below picture).
(https://imgur.com/D2lQWPU.jpg)
This picture is looking south from CR 48 towards TX 288 near Iowa Colony. It appears that a new drainage system is being graded right now on the NB side of 288 as a first step in getting the interchange ready to build. A Jersey barrier is now blocking the shoulder of the NB lanes in the construction area. You can see in the background the massive pile of ground-up pavement that originally was part of CR 48 between the main lanes and the frontage road.

(https://imgur.com/MD01lTd.jpg)
This picture is looking east from CR 57 towards 288 just to the south of where the other picture was taken. Again, there was more work on the drainage system near the NB lanes.

The intersection in this area with the most worker activity was surprisingly the CR 64 intersection. It looks like the current 2-way SB frontage roads in that area are in the process of being converted to one-way feeders. I did not see similar work on the NB frontage road. I would have taken more, but I was pressed for time considering the Arctic cold front was making its way in and I needed to get home.

Update on TX 288:

The four new interchanges getting built near Iowa Colony on 288 are starting to take shape. I took this picture at the current CR 63 intersection heading northbound, as I happened to get stuck behind a construction convoy:
(https://imgur.com/I0opsYJ.jpg)

The other interchanges are about this far along as well. I'm surprised how fast these interchanges are getting built.

Construction plans that I recently found on Facebook regarding the new Marvel Town Center at the NW corner of the SH 288/SH 6 interchange reveal that a new feeder road running SB from Rodeo Palms Parkway to SH 6 along 288 is being built now.

(https://imgur.com/fa1rp0d.jpg)

All of 288 from Rodeo Palms Parkway to CR 63 is now under construction. Bridge pylons are now going up for the CR 57 interchange.

TxDOT starts construction on new 8-lane highway between Gulf Freeway and 610 Loop

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/txdot-construction-new-highway-gulf-freeway-610-18118588.php

Quote from: thisdj78 on May 27, 2023, 09:53:34 AM
TxDOT starts construction on new 8-lane highway between Gulf Freeway and 610 Loop

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/txdot-construction-new-highway-gulf-freeway-610-18118588.php

It's good when a freeway project gets off the ground with little controversy.

(https://i.imgur.com/ABrH373.jpg)

Is this strip of undeveloped land just south of 610 for future extension of this freeway?

Quote from: kernals12 on May 27, 2023, 10:46:00 AM

Is this strip of undeveloped land just south of 610 for future extension of this freeway?

If you're referring to the land along Cedar Crest St, just south of that Jack N The Box, yes. There were homes there many years ago that were tore down when TXDOT bought the ROW.

This 610/69 project to replace the stack and yet keep traffic flowing is a testament to engineers who lay out the timeline. The fusing of new structures to old structures, even if temporary is a joy to behold.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fv3uSy1WcAA248r?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

This is not new, but here are some schematics sourced from the city of Iowa Colony for all the work taking place on SH 288 right now between FM 1462 and Rodeo Palms Parkway:

https://www.iowacolonytx.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3291/f/uploads/txdot_sh_288_projects_-_iowa_colony_town_hall_meeting.pdf

Credit goes to @yakra for finding this. It's sorta crazy to be witnessing the construction of six new interchanges on an existing road all at once!

Something I should've asked months ago

Does the upcoming Spur 5 extension/Alvin Freeway between I-45 and I-610, south of US 90 Alt/Old Spanish Trial comes with or without frontage roads?

Quote from: TheBox on July 25, 2024, 05:32:30 PMDoes the upcoming Spur 5 extension/Alvin Freeway between I-45 and I-610, south of US 90 Alt/Old Spanish Trial comes with or without frontage roads?

Schematic (https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/get-involved/hou/sh35-spur5-i45-i610/120622-schematic.pdf)


There are no frontage roads south of US 90 Alt/Old Spanish Trail, except for a short section of southbound frontage road south of Loop 610 to Dixie Drive. The section south of Loop 610 is future project. The direct connectors at Loop 610 are currently scheduled for bids in May 2027.

The Houston Chronicle has a report (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/houston-freeway-traffic-txdot-loop-cambridge-19795203.php) about the upcoming completion of the work at the interchange at Loop 610 and Texas 288.

This project focused on Loop 610 and is separate from the complete interchange reconstruction that was done as part of the SH 288 toll lanes project. The area has been under construction for a very long time. The article says work on this project started in 2018, but the separate interchange project could have started earlier.

The ramp opening on October 18 was previously completed and open to traffic as part of the interchange reconstruction. But then it was closed and the ramp approach was demolished and rebuilt as a longer elevated structure. This project improved on and off ramps on both sides of the interchange, including a braided ramp.

QuoteRamps at Loop 610 and Texas set to open in mid-October in effort to relieve traffic congestion

Work along Loop 610 near NRG Park that's thrown some drivers for a loop for months is coming to an end, the latest work related to untying Houston's knotted freeway intersections.

Weather permitting, Texas Department of Transportation officials plan to open the long elevated ramp connecting drivers on eastbound Loop 610 to Texas 288 in both directions Oct. 18, along with opening more lanes of the ramp from Texas 288 to westbound Loop 610.

When the ramps are open with two lanes linking the freeways, it completes most of the work delaying drivers through the project. Though some orange cones and closings will come later, the ramps are considered the last major milestones for the $125.5 million project and restore eastbound connections drivers lost earlier this year.

Work began in late 2018 to untie the sometimes-chaotic jumble of entrances, exits and local streets near Loop 610 and Cambridge, which would sometimes lead to backups on frontage roads and even onto the loop at some exits.

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/43/61/70/26156546/3/ratio3x2_960.jpg)

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/43/61/70/26156590/3/1920x0.jpg)

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/43/61/67/26156534/3/1920x0.jpg)

How old was the approach that was torn down?

Quote from: longhorn on October 02, 2024, 11:57:04 AMHow old was the approach that was torn down?

It was in use for a short period of time. I'm thinking around two years. It featured a section with a high earthfill embankment and a tall vertical wall made from precast segments. The article refers to this wall, but anyone who didn't see the wall is unlikely to understand the article text. The term "earthen wall" is misleading, since it was a vertical wall of precast segments with earthfill behind it.

QuoteOne of the most complicated parts of the new work was not building the lengthy elevated structure drivers will soon use to get from Loop 610 to Texas 288, said Yvar Carcaces, TxDOT project manager for the Cambridge work.

"It was the wall," Carcaces said, referring to the large earthen wall along eastbound Loop 610 and was excavated to build the bridge-like siding to the highway. "It was a very big wall."
 

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/loop-610-ramps-texas-288-19820818.php

Horrible picture, but here's current progress on the SH 35 freeway @ Wheeler Avenue:

(https://imgur.com/nU0FAwY.jpg)

Image was taken right about here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVSnv35NhtwhDaMp7

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 08, 2024, 11:24:49 AMHorrible picture, but here's current progress on the SH 35 freeway @ Wheeler Avenue:

(https://imgur.com/nU0FAwY.jpg)

Image was taken right about here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVSnv35NhtwhDaMp7

So is SH35 moving further west and taking over the route the is currently Spur 4?

What current progress has been made on the Sam Houston Tollway Bridge over the Houston Ship Canal?

I see the last drive by Google shows only the approachways with a shallower vertical rise than the 1982 structure. However that's 2023 the last google image.

I see it started in 2018, so five years and no work seems like problems. Did Covid slow it down or have other issues like Corpus Christi Bridge has been going through?

IIRC they had to rebuild the main towers of the bridge from scratch, which is why the delay has been so long. Based on when I went over the old bridge there in August, the approaches are basically done (there are even BGSs up on the new approaches!). It also looks like the towers have risen up to the height of the old bridge.

Quote from: ski-man on October 08, 2024, 02:24:48 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 08, 2024, 11:24:49 AMHorrible picture, but here's current progress on the SH 35 freeway @ Wheeler Avenue:

(https://imgur.com/nU0FAwY.jpg)

Image was taken right about here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVSnv35NhtwhDaMp7

So is SH35 moving further west and taking over the route the is currently Spur 5?

Whenever the new freeway reaches all the way to Alvin, then yes

Hence the name, Alvin Freeway

Quote from: TheBox on October 09, 2024, 08:44:13 AM

Quote from: ski-man on October 08, 2024, 02:24:48 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 08, 2024, 11:24:49 AMHorrible picture, but here's current progress on the SH 35 freeway @ Wheeler Avenue:

(https://imgur.com/nU0FAwY.jpg)

Image was taken right about here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVSnv35NhtwhDaMp7

So is SH35 moving further west and taking over the route the is currently Spur 5?

Whenever the new freeway reaches all the way to Alvin, then yes

Hence the name, Alvin Freeway

Spur 5 is up by UH, and just have not read anything on a new proposed route through South Houston to reconnect with the current SH35 that is called the Alvin freeway and goes to Alvin.

Quote from: ski-man on October 11, 2024, 03:23:56 PMSpur 5 is up by UH, and just have not read anything on a new proposed route through South Houston to reconnect with the current SH35 that is called the Alvin freeway and goes to Alvin.

The last I heard about the possible extension of the currently planned freeway (extending just south of Loop 610), Pearland was against the freeway, which would block the completion of a freeway all the way to Alvin.

I'm not aware of any planning in progress for an extension south of the currently planned terminus just south of Loop 610. I would like to see it extend to Beltway 8, which would terminate the freeway just north of Pearland. But if that happens it will be in the distant future, after 2050.

There's still plenty of work to be done on the planned freeway and $358 million direct connectors at Loop 610. Unfortunately that project has been delayed and is now listed for May 2027 bidding.

After that project at Loop 610, I'm expecting a long hiatus before anything else proceeds.

If the Grand Parkway can ever get completed that would be one way to attach that freeway in Alvin to the rest of Houston's super highway network.

Quote from: ski-man on October 08, 2024, 02:24:48 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 08, 2024, 11:24:49 AMHorrible picture, but here's current progress on the SH 35 freeway @ Wheeler Avenue:

(https://imgur.com/nU0FAwY.jpg)

Image was taken right about here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVSnv35NhtwhDaMp7

So is SH35 moving further west and taking over the route the is currently Spur 4?

Correct, this is part of the long-planned (for more than 70 years now) Alvin Freeway.

Some interesting screenshots of the Alvin Freeway video posted on a different forum site called Houstonarchitecture.com

(https://i.imgur.com/W84qLuf.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/7cH5jck.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/nZB0n8P.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ke9fElZ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/XX6LHVV.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/32NMOjr.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/77hLSUf.png)


(https://i.imgur.com/3JJIsKX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/xVza3gD.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/hPjsJaW.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lN4sujK.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/NfmQLhn.jpeg)


(https://i.imgur.com/RWlVVuY.png)

Update on the 288 freeway construction between Croix Road and CR 60:

The main lanes of 288 are now open over the new overpass over CR 48 (Iowa Colony Boulevard) here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/i13UdhpcsRF7h6xA8). This is extremely quick progress on this project, especially considering that two years ago, work on the overpass had hardly started yet. GSV satellite imagery is also updated throughout the bounds of the project.

This may not be new news, but here is some interesting information regarding the  HGAC 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (https://engage.h-gac.com/2045RTPUpdate) update that I figured should be here for reference:

Here is the overall list (https://ehq-production-us-california.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/47e1df950ceeee0e478a8a6f96724da177d1e084/original/1737154112/b5762eb30dea12cc46009b061401e05e_RTP_Listing_12262024_Jim.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4KKNQAKIJHZMYNPA%2F20250329%2Fus-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250329T235458Z&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=4ac65bf932b731daa0a5a0e6dab71e53d7be3b1271b3f43c06fc625144acc1ae) of projects, and here is a nicely organized version of that list (https://ehq-production-us-california.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/bee30677e14d493a874df9b73a1ea54b724751d4/original/1682343983/41c922b514c30a3dc95e83ca60573c84_Appendix_G_-_Corridor_Summaries_424.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4KKNQAKIJHZMYNPA%2F20250329%2Fus-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250329T235651Z&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=b35732cd9aca4f196dcf9dc0e0f63153bccdf0d17986eaf836dd8137255c069c) sorted by region with maps.

One of the most interesting things that I noticed is the future construction of a new 4-lane state highway on a new alignment running from TX 36 in the vicinity of Orchard to somewhere near Hempstead, numbered TX 36A. I'm guessing that it is either a temporary number or as an alternate to normal TX 36.

Quote from: CoreySamson on March 29, 2025, 08:15:47 PMThis may not be new news, but here is some interesting information regarding the  HGAC 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (https://engage.h-gac.com/2045RTPUpdate) update that I figured should be here for reference:

Here is the overall list (https://ehq-production-us-california.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/47e1df950ceeee0e478a8a6f96724da177d1e084/original/1737154112/b5762eb30dea12cc46009b061401e05e_RTP_Listing_12262024_Jim.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4KKNQAKIJHZMYNPA%2F20250329%2Fus-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250329T235458Z&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=4ac65bf932b731daa0a5a0e6dab71e53d7be3b1271b3f43c06fc625144acc1ae) of projects, and here is a nicely organized version of that list (https://ehq-production-us-california.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/bee30677e14d493a874df9b73a1ea54b724751d4/original/1682343983/41c922b514c30a3dc95e83ca60573c84_Appendix_G_-_Corridor_Summaries_424.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4KKNQAKIJHZMYNPA%2F20250329%2Fus-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250329T235651Z&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=b35732cd9aca4f196dcf9dc0e0f63153bccdf0d17986eaf836dd8137255c069c) sorted by region with maps.

One of the most interesting things that I noticed is the future construction of a new 4-lane state highway on a new alignment running from TX 36 in the vicinity of Orchard to somewhere near Hempstead, numbered TX 36A. I'm guessing that it is either a temporary number or as an alternate to normal TX 36.

Sounds like the Prairie Parkway Project:

http://stateofwilderness.com/2014/02/09/prairie-parkway/

Are there any plans to build the mainline freeway lanes on the US 90 Crosby Freeway inside the Sam Houston Tollway?

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 30, 2025, 09:32:16 PMAre there any plans to build the mainline freeway lanes on the US 90 Crosby Freeway inside the Sam Houston Tollway?

I'm virtually certain the missing sections of main lanes inside Beltway 8 are being built. The contract received bids around a year ago. But no work in progress is shown on Google satellite view. Maybe someone in the area can confirm that construction is in progress.

I think I remembered seeing some construction signs somewhere in the area when I drove the Crosby Freeway in January, but I don't think there was any work happening yet. GSV seems to support this too.

Quote from: CoreySamson on March 31, 2025, 12:16:37 AMI think I remembered seeing some construction signs somewhere in the area when I drove the Crosby Freeway in January, but I don't think there was any work happening yet. GSV seems to support this too.

I drove the concurrency with FM 526 on Saturday and saw construction in progress.  They were building an overpass if I remember correctly.

The new SH 288 bridge at CR 60 in Brazoria County is open (link has video view)

https://x.com/TxDOTHouston/status/1908315142271402413

Quote from: MaxConcrete on April 04, 2025, 08:35:00 PMThe new SH 288 bridge at CR 60 in Brazoria County is open (link has video view)

https://x.com/TxDOTHouston/status/1908315142271402413

This is also the future interchange with the Grand Parkway. Great to see TxDOT planning these things out.

The new overpass for SH 288 over Rodeo Palms Pkwy/Del Bello Lakes Blvd (just north of the existing TX 6 interchange in Manvel) opened earlier this week. Further south closer to the CR 60 interchange mentioned above, there are some new partial gantry exit signs.

From the TxDOT 2026 UTP

I've seen the following listed expansions for:
- SH 249 (between Beltway 8 and I-45)
- FM 529 / Freeman Rd (between Grand Parkway and FM 362)
- FM 2920 (between Tomball and Waller)
- FM 518 / Broadway St (between SH 288 and SH 35)
- FM 521 / Almeda Rd (between SH 6 and CR 56)
- SH 36 (between I-69 and FM 2218)
- I-10 (between Brookshire and Katy)

Should've been built as a 3x3 from the beginning:

SH 99 to be expanded from Katy to Cypress

https://coveringkaty.com/news/katy/sh-99-to-be-expanded-from-katy-to-cypress/

Katy, Fulshear prioritize road projects as congestion worsens

https://communityimpact.com/houston/katy-fulshear/transportation/2025/09/16/katy-fulshear-prioritize-road-projects-as-congestion-worsens/

Would it be necessary to widen all of Interstate 10 between San Antoino and Houston to a minimum of three lanes in each direction?

Quote from: The GhostbusterWould it be necessary to widen all of Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Houston to a minimum of three lanes in each direction?

That would be an emphatic YES.

I think evidence is clearly visible in Google Earth imagery. Traffic between the two cities is pretty heavy. They're getting close to having I-10 widened to at least 3x3 lanes from the Western outskirts of Houston to the TX-71 split at Columbus. I-10 drops to 2x2 lanes West of that point. Going East of the I-410 loop in San Antonio over to Seguin there are a couple areas of construction to widen I-10 to 3x3 lanes.

In some zones I don't think 3x3 lanes is enough. I think I-10 West of Houston should be at 4x4 lanes to the US-90 split. Currently the 4x4 setup drops to 3x3 just past Katy Mills.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2025, 11:54:01 AMWould it be necessary to widen all of Interstate 10 between San Antoino and Houston to a minimum of three lanes in each direction?

I believe that is the plan. They are starting at both ends and working toward each other. Between definitely between SA and Toll 130 and Sealy to SH71 are the most critical.

Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 18, 2025, 12:30:04 PM

Quote from: The GhostbusterIn some zones I don't think 3x3 lanes is enough. I think I-10 West of Houston should be at 4x4 lanes to the US-90 split. Currently the 4x4 setup drops to 3x3 just past Katy Mills.

In the article I linked above, they mention plans for expansion of Katy Freeway west of Katy Mills.

The proposed expansion of I-10 from 3x3 lanes to 5x5 would have its Western end at the Cane Island Parkway exit (in front of Buc-ee's). They ought to widen I-10 from 3x3 to 4x4 at that point out to the US-90/I-10 split or even extend a 4x4 lanes arrangement as far West as Sealy. If certain highway expansions go thru for the Western Houston exhurbs, such as extending the Westpark Tollway out to TX-36 in/near Wallis, it could put more pressure on I-10, forcing a 4x4 configuration of I-10 farther West of Sealy.

Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 18, 2025, 04:52:26 PMThe proposed expansion of I-10 from 3x3 lanes to 5x5 would have its Western end at the Cane Island Parkway exit (in front of Buc-ee's). They ought to widen I-10 from 3x3 to 4x4 at that point out to the US-90/I-10 split or even extend a 4x4 lanes arrangement as far West as Sealy. If certain highway expansions go thru for the Western Houston exhurbs, such as extending the Westpark Tollway out to TX-36 in/near Wallis, it could put more pressure on I-10, forcing a 4x4 configuration of I-10 farther West of Sealy.

The new I-10 Colorado River bridge near Columbus is being built out as a 4x4 if I remember correctly.

The closest parallel roadway to Interstate 10 west of Houston is the Westpark Tollway. Would it be possible to eventually extend it further west (which it is planned to do), and possibly have it terminate at Interstate 10 like the Dallas North Tollway will eventually terminate at US 75 (so the WPT could be utilized as an Interstate 10 relief route)?

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2025, 07:57:30 PMThe closest parallel roadway to Interstate 10 west of Houston is the Westpark Tollway. Would it be possible to eventually extend it further west (which it is planned to do), and possibly have it terminate at Interstate 10 like the Dallas North Tollway will eventually terminate at US 75 (so the WPT could be utilized as an Interstate 10 relief route)?

When Westpark Tollway was first being built, I imagined it as a road that could eventually connect to I-10 at Sealy.

Quote from: thisdj78 on September 18, 2025, 11:57:54 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2025, 07:57:30 PMThe closest parallel roadway to Interstate 10 west of Houston is the Westpark Tollway. Would it be possible to eventually extend it further west (which it is planned to do), and possibly have it terminate at Interstate 10 like the Dallas North Tollway will eventually terminate at US 75 (so the WPT could be utilized as an Interstate 10 relief route)?

When Westpark Tollway was first being built, I imagined it as a road that could eventually connect to I-10 at Sealy.

A long time ago (maybe 20 years ago) I seem to remember FBCTRA considered continuing the Westpark Tollway along FM 359 to connect it to I-10 at Brookshire. That concept was discarded.

The current plan is to extend it west along FM 1093 to Simonton.

It is possible it will be extended further west, and a connection to I-10 is also possible. However, I think a connection to I-10 is very unlikely if the 36A South (https://engagetxdot.mysocialpinpoint.com/36a-south-public-scoping-meeting) project proceeds, since 36A will provide a north-south freeway/tollway between the Westpark Tollway and I-10.

At what point would extensions of the Westpark Tollway become problematic on its existing route?

According to the TxDOT map the AADT west of Beltway 8 is already over 80,000 per day, while the Westpark Tollway only has 4 lanes and no frontage roads.

It's a narrow road, in particular by Houston standards. No frontage roads, no right of way for an expansion, no median to pave over or fill in.

https://www.dot.state.tx.us/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html

Quote from: ChrisIt's a narrow road, in particular by Houston standards. No frontage roads, no right of way for an expansion, no median to pave over or fill in.

Are you not looking at the Western end of the Westpark Tollway? West of Beltway 8 it runs in the median of FM-1093. Going West of Spring Green Blvd FM-1093 is arranged like frontage roads with a wide median. That configuration extends to the Main Street intersection in Fulshear.

Between Fulshear and Simonton the ROW for a future extension of the toll road looks like it is still mostly intact, FM-1093 is running along the South side of the ROW. It looks like a canal is running next to FM-1093 most of the way between Simonton and Wallis. If the Westpark Tollway was extended to the TX-36 corridor the last few miles might have to be built on a new terrain path.

Quote from: Chris on September 19, 2025, 03:53:48 PMAt what point would extensions of the Westpark Tollway become problematic on its existing route?

According to the TxDOT map the AADT west of Beltway 8 is already over 80,000 per day, while the Westpark Tollway only has 4 lanes and no frontage roads.

It's a narrow road, in particular by Houston standards. No frontage roads, no right of way for an expansion, no median to pave over or fill in.

https://www.dot.state.tx.us/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html

The Harris County section of the Westpark Tollway is already problematic, mainly due to its small size.

This problem is especially troublesome for Fort Bend County, since everyone coming from Fort Bend County uses the Harris County section.

Fort Bend County is the main driver of the Westpark Tollway Mobility Study (https://westparkmobility.org/).

However, Harris County has blocked or delayed all proposed HCTRA system improvements since Democrats took control of Harris County Commissioners Court in 2019. So I had low expectations for this study.

The good news arriving earlier this week is that the progressive, anti-HCTRA county judge Lina Hidalgo announced she will not seek reelection next year. So there will be a new county judge in 2027, and the new judge could be pro-HCTRA system expansion.

I think the most realistic option for the Westpark Tollway is to make it 3-1(reversible HOV)-3, since that configuration will mostly fit in the available right-of-way. But there will be difficult sections for any expansion.

All of the existing Westpark Tollway is just 2x2 lanes. The zone from just West of Beltway 8 out to just West of the TX-6 crossing is a really tight squeeze. It might be more feasible to expand the Westpark Tollway to a 3x3 lanes configuration West of the point where FM-1093 diagonally dovetails into the corridor. However, making room for a reversible 1 lane HOV/Express lane appears really problematic.

The lane itself might be able to physically fit into the corridor. The entrance/exit ramps in/out of the express lane are another problem.

I really dislike single lane express lanes regardless of how much room is available to build them. I think they need a second passing lane. If that can't be managed then it's not worth the bother. In the case of the Westpark Tollway the entire highway is a toll road already. So an express lane would need some kind of HOV requirement. It's either that or they would be adding a premium toll level in the express lane on top of the base toll level. And that's a single lane likely to catch some slow pokes who clog up the whole idea of an express lane in the first place.

Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 19, 2025, 11:02:48 PMAll of the existing Westpark Tollway is just 2x2 lanes. The zone from just West of Beltway 8 out to just West of the TX-6 crossing is a really tight squeeze. It might be more feasible to expand the Westpark Tollway to a 3x3 lanes configuration West of the point where FM-1093 diagonally dovetails into the corridor. However, making room for a reversible 1 lane HOV/Express lane appears really problematic.

The lane itself might be able to physically fit into the corridor. The entrance/exit ramps in/out of the express lane are another problem.

I really dislike single lane express lanes regardless of how much room is available to build them. I think they need a second passing lane. If that can't be managed then it's not worth the bother. In the case of the Westpark Tollway the entire highway is a toll road already. So an express lane would need some kind of HOV requirement. It's either that or they would be adding a premium toll level in the express lane on top of the base toll level. And that's a single lane likely to catch some slow pokes who clog up the whole idea of an express lane in the first place.

To understand the rationale for my preferred outcome, you need to understand the context of the Westpark Corridor.

The corridor was originally a railroad with a 100-foot wide (30.5m) right of way. It was purchased by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) for use as a public transit corridor. I don't know exactly when, probably early to mid 1990s. HCTRA had nothing to do with the original purchase.

However, Metro had no immediate or medium-term plans to use the corridor. It was purchased for potential long-term projects. So the corridor would be unused, possibly for decades.

Around the late 1990s, HCTRA expressed interest in using some of the corridor for the Westpark Toll Road. Metro agreed to allow HCTRA to use 50 feet of the 100-foot-wide corridor, so Metro could preserve a 50-foot-wide corridor for future public transit use. I don't know the terms of the agreement, whether HCTRA purchased the land or if it is a long-term lease.

A 50-foot strip is not enough for the toll road, so HCTRA used land from the adjacent Westpark Road or adjacent high voltage easements to get to the needed corridor width around 75 feet.

However, in Fort Bend County, the FBCTRA was able to get all of the FM 1093 corridor (around 100 feet), 50 feet of the railroad and then they acquired more property to get a wider corridor, which varies between 220 and 300 feet.

So the main problem for widening is the Harris County section. The key influences are

• In Harris County, there is a strip of land along the south side of the tollway which is normally 50 feet wide.
• Metro owns this land and has retained it for future public transit use
• Metro has long term plans (possibly decades in the future) to build a bus rapid transit line inside Beltway 8. This means they are unlikely to relinquish any of the 50-foot-wide strip inside Beltway 8. But since they have no long-term plans for the strip of land outside Beltway 8, they could be open to allowing it to be used for a Westpark Tollway expansion.

Houston's Southwest, Gulf, Eastex and North Freeways all have single-lane, reversible HOV lanes. These work well for transit service, and they also allow 2+ HOV and toll-paying vehicles.

So, after all this background, here is the logic for my preferred outcome.

• Metro and political leadership which promotes public transit will want some kind of public transit element in the corridor.
• There is 50 feet available. An HOV lane is 22 feet, and two general purpose lanes are 24 feet, for a total of 46 feet required.
• Outside of Beltway 8, Metro could give the 50-foot-wide strip of land to the tollway expansion in exchange for an HOV lane for their future transit service.
• Inside Beltway 8, I don't think Metro will be willing to give up any land, which means an expansion of the toll road is probably impossible. But expansion outside Beltway 8 along with adding missing direct connections at Beltway 8 will be a huge and worthwhile improvement.
• Sure, it would be better to get 4x4 for the tollway for the full length, but I don't see that as a realistic option due to displacements required for a much wider corridor, which would drastically increase cost. For example, Westpark, Harwin and Alief-Clodine roads would need to be relocated, requiring a major right-of-way clearance.

The work on TX 288 between Manvel and Rosharon to add 6 new interchanges has just about wrapped up. There remains a few places where there is shoulder work, but other than that (and the speed limit not having been changed back to 65), the work is basically done. With this, the TX 288 freeway now extends down to FM 1462. I'll see if I can get pictures on Saturday.

Google Earth also has satellite imagery dated August 21, 2025, showing all grade-separations in place. There was some construction ongoing near Davenport Parkway at that time.

The frontage roads extend south to County Road 60, which is one interchange before FM 1462.

How's Almeda Rd/FM 521 between south of Shadow Creek Parkway/FM 2234 and north of SH 6 right now?

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 07, 2025, 03:37:44 PMI'll see if I can get pictures on Saturday.

Here are some pictures of the completed interchanges on TX 288 I took on Saturday, 10/11/25...

(https://imgur.com/o03rNjB.jpg) (https://imgur.com/pGRDH0G.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/vH4dwOF.jpg) (https://imgur.com/z8LtgFV.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/3tNXwUm.jpg) (https://imgur.com/DzL98Js.jpg)

Quote from: TheBox on October 08, 2025, 12:03:06 PMHow's Almeda Rd/FM 521 between south of Shadow Creek Parkway/FM 2234 and north of SH 6 right now?

Here's what it looks like from the Sycamore Road intersection in Fresno (looking NB)...
(https://imgur.com/71Ef1KC.jpg)
The future SB lanes are ready to go minus striping, but the old lanes on the right of the picture (which will become the NB lanes) have not been reconstructed to concrete yet. I believe it looks much like this throughout the construction zone.