TxDOT opens office to handle questions on US 290 corridor projects

TxDOT will be providing the Banner with monthly updates and articles to keep our readers informed about the latest developments in the U.S. 290 Corridor projects, and how they will affect our community

Northwest Houston residents have known for more than a year that TxDOT had plans to widen the US 290 highway, construct a tollway on Hempstead Rd., and rebuild the 290/610 interchange. But information on specifics of the proposed project has not been readily available, mostly due to the length of time required for environmental and engineering studies. Now TxDOT has opened the US 290 Program office to make information on the reconstruction plans available to the public.The office located at 2950 North Loop West has a staff of program managers and engineers who are available to meet with anyone who has questions about the project.They will also provide the opportunity to view maps and listen to any concerns residents might have about the construction.

Melissa Deaver is a Program Involvement Manager for the US 290 project. It is her job to work directly with the public on an individual or community basis. Ms. Deaver says, "I welcome any comments or suggestions as to how we can best serve the community. I appreciate the opportunity to provide the most current information we have available to clarify any misconceptions or rumors." She can meet with anyone who wants information on US 290. To schedule an appointment call 713-357-2034 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. She is available to speak to groups and civic clubs about the progress of the US 290 project, and is enthusiastic about what TxDOT is doing to reach out to the public and get their input. "Working here with TxDOT has given me an understanding of how much time is involved in one of these projects," she says.

TxDOT is currently awaiting approval of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on US 290 from the Federal Highway Administration. According to US 290 Deputy Program Manager Stephen Hrncir, the EIS will most likely be approved in May and a public meeting will follow in June. All plans and maps of the reconstruction up to this point are considered preliminary, and TxDOT will get further public input on the project before final plans are made. The plans are expected to be finalized by Spring '08, with actual construction not anticipated before 2011.

PROJECT MAP

The preliminary map shows the Hempstead toll road connector ramps where they intersect with the 610 Loop. These connectors will be 55' to 60' high or the equivalent of a six story building. Traffic on this section of the 610 Loop will only travel north and south as the current ramps connecting to I-10 will be removed. Tollway traffic will get to I-10 by exiting to Old Katy Road and traveling down Washington to I-10. Entry onto the tollway from I-10 will also be by way of Old Katy Road. Frontage roads will be bridged to link to Old Katy Road so that W. 18th St. traffic can connect with the 610 Loop and with I-10. The interchange at the North Loop and 290 will also be reconstructed with 55'-60' connector ramps above West 18th St. There is no intrusion planned into neighborhoods along the 610 Loop.

(Near Northwest Banner, March 5, 2007)