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[MaxConcrete]

The good news: finally after a long delay, the first actual construction for the Hardy Toll Road downtown extension will begin soon.
The bad news: this project is just one overpass, and there are two more crossings to be built in phase 1 before construction of the actual main lanes will start.

http://www.harriscountytx.gov/agenda/2016/2016-04-12ag.pdf
"Recommendation for authorization to seek bids for a four-week period for
construction of the Collingsworth grade separation from Elysian Street to Jensen
Drive as part of the Hardy Toll Road downtown connector project in Precincts 1
and 2 (UPIN 9905050403)."

https://www.hctra.org/about_construction/hardy-downtown-connector?CSRT=14421991457330431833

I've been nervous all these years that the project has been on hold, since you never know when the political climate can change or opposition may arise to try kill the project. This project passes through the inner loop, the most difficult area of Houston to build or expand freeways.

[jbnv]

Is there a map of this extension?

[MaxConcrete]

Is there a map of this extension?

The extension is between Loop 610 and downtown Houston
https://www.hctra.org/file_download/162/HCTRA_Major_Projects.pdf?CSRT=10944710811144110743

[MaxConcrete]

The winning bid was $17.5 million by Harper Brothers LLC. I've never heard of Harper Brothers, so they're new to Houston or don't normally do larger highway projects.

Recommendation for authorization to award a contract to Harper Brothers
Construction, LLC, lowest and best bid in the amount of $17,480,467 for
construction of the Collingsworth grade separation from Elysian Street to Jensen
Drive as part of the Hardy Toll Road downtown connector project in Precinct 1, and
that the County Judge and appropriate officials execute the contract and bonds
when they are fully executed by the contractor (UPIN 0405050403).

https://www.harriscountytx.gov/agenda/2016/2016-06-14ag.pdf

[MaxConcrete]

The second contract for the downtown extension has been awarded, $21.6 million for the Lorraine Street underpass.

Texas Sterling Construction Co., in the amount of $21,618,080 for construction of the Lorraine Street underpass, including a pump station, utility relocations, and associated drainage features in connection  with  the Hardy Toll Road downtown connector project in Precincts 1 and 2.

http://www.harriscountytx.gov/agenda/2018/2018-01-09ag.pdf

Work is proceeding on the first contract, which is the Collingsworth overpass. The photo below was taken December 24.



http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20171224-0027-1600.jpg

[Chris]

I noticed that Houston has new Google Earth imagery dated October 29, 2017. They are demolishing the Elysian Street viaduct. Is that related to the Hardy Toll Road extension?

[MaxConcrete]

The Elysian viaduct is a separate project, and I don't know if the Elysian viaduct work is needed to accommodate the Hardy Toll Road extension. The official web page for the Elysian viaduct project (and its fact sheet) does not mention the Hardy Toll Road extension. http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/houston/elysian-viaduct.html

Since the Hardy Toll Road extension will connect into the Elysian Viaduct, it makes sense to have the Elysian Viaduct work completed in advance of the toll road.

Here are some Elysian Viaduct demolition photos I took on December 24.


This shows a section awaiting demolition. http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20171224-0003-elysian-1600.jpg


A different view of the section shown in the image above http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20171224-0022-elysian-1600.jpg


Piers for the new structure. This is just south of IH 10.  http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20171224-0015-elysian-1600.jpg


Demolition, looking north from south of Buffalo Bayou, with the bayou bridge still intact ahead. http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20171224-0013-elysian-1600.jpg

[MaxConcrete]

News report about the extension. Contracts for construction of the main lanes are scheduled to be awarded in 2019.

https://abc13.com/4329362/