TxDOT Houston delivers record $1.3B in projects

HOUSTON – The Texas Department of Transportation Houston District closed out the 2013 fiscal year (FY) by delivering a record $1.3 billion in construction projects. The Houston District includes Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris, Galveston, Montgomery and Waller counties.

Topping the list of projects in FY 2013, at a cost of $707 million, is the construction along the US 290 corridor. This includes the reconstruction and widening of the segments of US 290 from I-610 to Telge Rd. and an outbound connector ramp linking I-10 to US 290/ I-610 N. Loop.

Also in Harris County is the reconstruction of I-45 Gulf Freeway from FM 2351 to Medical Center Dr. At a cost of $92 million, the project is widening I-45 Gulf Fwy. to ten lanes, two three-lane frontage roads and one reversible HOV lane.

In Montgomery County, work has begun to construct a railroad grade separation over FM 149 and the BNSF Railroad at Mostyn at a cost of $27 million.

The district has entered the new fiscal year with the letting of $40 million in construction projects approved by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Work is expected to begin in October 2014 on the reconstruction of the Elysian St. Bridge — a City of Houston bridge built in 1955 — north of downtown Houston. The reconstruction of the Elysian St. Bridge from Commerce to Brook St. will cost $34.6 million and is expected to be complete in 2017.