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[TXtoNJ]

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/transportation/article/Audit-finds-faults-with-TxDOT-design-build-checks-9184040.php?t=0b0f5c7ecc438d9cbb&cmpid=reddit-premium

Looks like this segment will be constructed as a TX Super-2, rather than a four lane tollway. Given the relatively low development out there, this seems to be a reasonable design decision.

On the other hand, of course the state has a problem with how the design-build process is going.

[Bobby5280]

Considering the regional traffic moving purposes of the Grand Parkway, I'm surprised they're choosing to build the Northeast leg of the Grand Parkway as a Super 2. I hope they at least secure enough right of way to flesh the road out completely as Interstate quality super highway in the future. I wonder if this Super 2 will at least be limited access like the TX-49 toll road in Tyler.

Regarding the design-build process, there are definitely pros and cons to it. The obvious plus is "fewer cooks in the kitchen," making the process a whole lot more efficient. The more firms that are involved in a construction project add to organizational and logistical headaches. It increases the chances of miscommunication. It's difficult enough to keep everyone within the same firm on the same page, much less do that with various third parties.

But, yeah, if one firm is able to do everything on a design-build road project there is the possibility they could dramatically pad the construction bill rather than save taxpayers a lot of money over increased efficiency. Some projects are beyond the capabilities of one firm to handle on its own. Some parts of a project might have to be jobbed out to others in order to meet a tight deadline.

One thing is certain: these construction firms are risking cutting their own throats with the ever increasing costs they're handing to taxpayers for infrastructure projects. A political backlash could bring a lot of things to a grinding halt.

[TXtoNJ]

http://www.chron.com/news/transportation/article/Next-sections-of-Grand-Parkway-forge-ahead-11036051.php?ipid=layoutrecirc_politics

These segments are getting fast-tracked.

[The Ghostbuster]

This may be a little off-topic, but were the controversies that have plagued Segment A been resolved (to this date)?

[thisdj78]

I read that construction has started on this segment, has anyone seen any ground clearing yet? I thought I saw something when flying into Houston last week but it was hard to tell with cloud cover.

[MaxConcrete]

I read that construction has started on this segment, has anyone seen any ground clearing yet? I thought I saw something when flying into Houston last week but it was hard to tell with cloud cover.

I was at the IH 10/Grand Parkway intersection last month, and work was in progress at that location. Ground clearing was underway to the north of IH 10, and a few piers for elevated roadway are already in place around IH 10 and to the south.

[Bobby5280]

Some of the clearing work on Section H is now visible in Google Earth. The imagery is dated 2/23/2019.

[thisdj78]

Some of the clearing work on Section H is now visible in Google Earth. The imagery is dated 2/23/2019.

Is that on the desktop version or the app?

[Bobby5280]

I use the desktop "pro" Google Earth application.

[thisdj78]

I use the desktop "pro" Google Earth application.

That's odd...I'm only seeing 1/2/2018 imagery

[Chris]

The northern portion has newer imagery.

click to enlarge

[Verlanka]

The northern portion has newer imagery.

click to enlarge

So it's basically disconnected.

[Bobby5280]

They're just getting going on the clearing work for Section H. They don't necessarily have to clear the ROW in a linear fashion. So far they've been opening up the path where only trees are in the way. Some properties (along with utilities and other stuff) will have to be cleared in other areas, such as where the toll road will cross River Road (FM 1485).

[MaxConcrete]

Photo taken January 4, 2020, near the entrance to Lake Houston Wilderness Park. This is one of the few spots in the immediate area with actual construction underway. Most of the section along FM 1485 in still in the right-of-way and forest clearance phase. Further west near IH69, work is much further along.

[RoadsByArco]

Any new updates? I know this thread is more than 120 days old, but I'm curious.

[TheBox]

The map app on the Amazon Fire Stick is more updated, then Google Maps is

[Bobby5280]

You're going to find differences in satellite imagery, both newer and older, in various Internet-based map apps. None are uniformly more up to date than the other.

For example, in Apple Maps it shows newer imagery of CA-58 with the Hinkley bypass completed and the Kramer Junction bypass well under construction. Google Earth/Maps imagery is over 5 years old and shows next to no progress. On the other hand, Google Earth shows newer imagery in Oklahoma of the Kilpatrick Turnpike extension while Apple Maps' imagery is older.

[Plutonic Panda]

Update on this project from Construction Equipment Magazine:

Grand Parkway Infrastructure LLC began construction of a $1.2 billion project that will build Segments H, I-1 and I-2 of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) SH 99 Grand Parkway project, in an area northeast of the city of Houston in Harris, Montgomery, Liberty, and Chambers counties.

Construction started on July 26, 2018, and is expected to be completed in spring 2022. GPI, which secured the design-build contract on March 28, 2017, consists of Granite Construction Inc., Webber LLC and Ferrovial Construction.

This work will increase capacity by providing a new two-lane tolled controlled access facility (with intermittent four lane sections for passing) from U.S. 59 North to IH 10 East (Segments H and I-1, approximately 37.5 mi.); four additional toll lanes from FM 1405 to SH 146 (Segment I-2B, approximately 6.1 mi.); and upgrade tolling equipment to the existing four-lane tolled facility from IH 10 East to FM 1405 (I-2A, existing 8.7 mi.). Additional elements include bridge work, building of retaining walls, installation of drainage infrastructure, utility relocation and embankment work.

Segment I-2A includes upgrades for the tolling equipment and upgrades to the existing four-lane roadway constructed by TxDOT back in 2008. In addition to the new lanes, there are eight turnarounds and 20 mainline bridges featured within the segments.

More here with photos: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/grand-parkway-infrastructure-links-segments-on-massive-texas-highway-job/53015

[TheBox]

Once the segment is done, how long will the "Super 2" segment last, before it becomes 4 lanes (like usual) cause of demand?

[Bobby5280]

My guess is it won't take more than 2-5 years before they start adding the second set of lanes.

[TheBox]

I know this is barely related and connected to the Grand Parkway, but how's the work off of SH 146 from League City Parkway to Red Bluff Road?

[sprjus4]

Once the segment is done, how long will the "Super 2" segment last, before it becomes 4 lanes (like usual) cause of demand?

My predication there will be the demand for at least 6 lanes within the next two decades.

[MaxConcrete]

I know this is barely related and connected to the Grand Parkway, but how's the work off of SH 146 from League City Parkway to Red Bluff Road?

Progress is good as of my last visit in July. The bridge section is the main focus at this time. The main bridge over the channel is mostly complete. The long elevated approaches on the north and south sides have sections that are mostly complete and sections with mostly piers.

North of NASA 1, progress is slower. Traffic was still on the original pavement. Work on the southbound frontage road and main lanes was the main focus.

In a related development, TxDOT opened bids earlier this month to update SH 146 north to SH 225 to 3x3. This involves adding the third lane in each direction where the existing facility lacks the third lane.

County:   HARRIS   Let Date:   08/05/21
Type:   RECONSTRUCT AND WIDEN FREEWAY FACILITY   Seq No:   3201
Time:   1229 WORKING DAYS   Project ID:   C 389-5-87
Highway:   SH 146   Contract #:   08213201
Length:   11.521   CCSJ:   0389-05-087
Limits:   
From:   S. OF SPENCER HWY   Check:   $100,000
To:   S. OF RED BLUFF   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $123,933,207.35   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $110,766,237.66   -10.62%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

[bwana39]

I know this is barely related and connected to the Grand Parkway, but how's the work off of SH 146 from League City Parkway to Red Bluff Road?

Progress is good as of my last visit in July. The bridge section is the main focus at this time. The main bridge over the channel is mostly complete. The long elevated approaches on the north and south sides have sections that are mostly complete and sections with mostly piers.

More clearly, it over Clear Creek / Clear Lake. The marine traffic at this crossing is pretty much all recreational boats including high-masted sailboats. The ship channel is another 10+ miles up from Clear Creek.

[SquonkHunter]

I traveled the northwestern quadrant from US 290 to I-69 a couple of weeks ago. Very nice drive with traffic moving at 70-80 mph. Sure beats going by TX 105 from Brenham thru Conroe to get to Cleveland.