Road Trip Down Interstate 69, Houston area version

[ethanhopkin14]

   I took a trip down the entire 28.4 mile and 35 mile segments of Interstate 69 today ( I know, all of it!) from Rosenberg to Splendora, and I found a few oddities. 

   On the Rosenberg section, I found that Interstate 69 signage was only relegated to the mainlanes until University Blvd.  Then I saw signage on the frontage roads for ramps on to the freeway, and it stayed that way until inside Beltway 8, and it went back to just maineline signage.  None of the intersections that I could see had I-69 signage or trailblazers; just US 59.  None of the northbound BGS had Interstate 69 signage on the pull through signs.  I am guessing since the pull throughs are in Highway Gothic font they are slated to be replaced soon, and instead of throwing a shield up there, they are just waiting for the resigning project to put the shield up there.  I also went south on Interstate 610, then turned around and came back to Interstate 69, and at the intersection only US 59 shields were present, which I am suspecting is for the same reason.  Also at the Chimney Rock Rd. exit (first exit south of the Southwest Freeway segment's northern terminus) there was no mention of Interstate 69 on the service road, except the southbound service road.

   On the Eastex Freeway segment, I was driving north through downtown Houston on US 59, and after passing Interstate 610, and the official beginning of Interstate 69, I saw my first BGS pull through sign, with of course the control city of Cleveland.  I and still guessing that control city will switch to Shreveport when Interstate 69 is completed from Houston to Shreveport at least.  This segment is much more signed, on service roads, and noted on slip ramps as well.  Just for giggles I took the FM 1314 exit and found no Interstate 69 signage at the intersection.  I guess I picked the wrong exit, hahaha.  Around this area is where I spotted two neutered interstate 69 shields.  I thought TxDOT's policy of reinstating the state name on the shields went into affect when the original segment of Interstate 69 was signed (US 77 from Calallen to Robstown). I guess it might have been a holdover.  Also the entire route uses 24" X 24" shields, insted of the 36" X 36". I am wondering if that's a temporary thing, just so it matches with the size of the 24" X 24" US 59 shields that are always signed side by side the Interstate 69 shield.  Also, Interstate 69 is signed every mile, consistent with TxDOT's reference marking system.  I understand that TxDOT just changed the existing US 59 pole to include the "Y" pole, so the signage is the same as on any Texas state highway or US highway, and not for Texas Interstate highways.

Also, westbound Interstate 610 on the north side of Houston has Interstate 69 shields for the northbound exit only, as it should be.

That's all I got

[ethanhopkin14]

I know it's late, but here is the album:

https://plus.google.com/photos/108314424034130737389/albums/5900924275758968481

[rte66man]

I know it's late, but here is the album:

https://plus.google.com/photos/108314424034130737389/albums/5900924275758968481

Very nice.  Don't know if I've ever seen a speed limit sign on a gantry with a BGS before.

rte66man

[ethanhopkin14]

I know it's late, but here is the album:

https://plus.google.com/photos/108314424034130737389/albums/5900924275758968481

Very nice.  Don't know if I've ever seen a speed limit sign on a gantry with a BGS before.

rte66man

We have lots of them in the Austin area

[Henry]

Also, westbound Interstate 610 on the north side of Houston has Interstate 69 shields for the northbound exit only, as it should be.

I'm assuming this'll be until the defined route of I-69 through the Houston area is established, although I'd still expect it to continue south on US 59 (and why shouldn't it?).

[ethanhopkin14]

Also, westbound Interstate 610 on the north side of Houston has Interstate 69 shields for the northbound exit only, as it should be.

I'm assuming this'll be until the defined route of I-69 through the Houston area is established, although I'd still expect it to continue south on US 59 (and why shouldn't it?).

I assume the same.  It was just neat to see seeing how the southwestern counterpart of this intersection has zero mention of Interstate 69.

[Cam4rd98]

A massive upgrade to Fm 1960 would be needed, including several overpasses

One at Wilson Road

[ethanhopkin14]

A massive upgrade to Fm 1960 would be needed, including several overpasses

One at Wilson Road

???  There is already a intersection at 1960 and I-69. 

[Cam4rd98]

i know

[rte66man]

A massive upgrade to Fm 1960 would be needed, including several overpasses

One at Wilson Road

That won't happen anytime soon.  Look at what would have to be relocated under your plan.

rte66man

[ethanhopkin14]

A massive upgrade to Fm 1960 would be needed, including several overpasses

One at Wilson Road

That won't happen anytime soon.  Look at what would have to be relocated under your plan.

rte66man

I guess I am confused.  You want 1960 to be a freeway?

[Cam4rd98]

If you want to see the discussion for an Toll Road Plan in the Humble area-

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/humble-news/article/Woodland-Hills-extension-an-expensive-option-1529800.php