Up-To-Date Information On Highway 59 Expansion

[energyman2005]

Via Chron.com's Fort Bend Blog:

Here is additional information I received from Jim Hunt at TxDOT re: construction work on 59. Hope it helps!

US 59/Grand Parkway Signalized Intersection: The new 59 and Grand Parkway frontage road intersection is expected to open by the end of this month. The new frontage roads will parallel the 59 main lanes. Grand Parkway frontage roads will be divided as they intersect 59, similar to the Grand Parkway signal intersections north of the 59 interchange This is expected to significantly enhance mobility.

As for the Brazos River, construction is tentatively planned to be complete by next May so you were right in estimating a year.

In two weeks (April 18-20), TxDOT will open two additional 59 northbound mainlanes and two additional 59 southbound mainlanes crossing the river. At that point, existing bridges crossing the river will operate as frontage road bridges. Some ramps will need to be closed and adjusted but officials will try to minimize closures by making these switches during the late night hours.

By April 21, Greatwood residents leaving their neighborhood via Riverbrook will be able to access the 59 northbound frontage road and cross over the Brazos River or take the Brazos River Turn-A-Round.

Motorists coming from 99, FM 2759, Greatwood, etc. who desire to proceed north onto the 59 mainlanes, will travel the northbound frontage road, crossing the river, and access a new entrance ramp onto 59 prior to University Boulevard.

As construction continues, the state will construct a permanent 59 northbound entrance ramp just south of the Brazos River, which will serve motorists coming from Grand Parkway and Greatwood. When this ramp opens, motorists on the 59 northbound frontage road coming from Grand Parkway or Greatwood can enter the freeway prior to the river, or stay on the frontage road and enter prior to University Boulevard. This ramp is estimated to be open to the public by the end of 2008.

I'll plan to post brief updates when these dates come up or the work is complete.