In preparation of the anticipated Hwy. 290 expansion project, the Texas Department of Transportation is wrapping up work on several transportation systems management projects that have upgraded major interchanges along the corridor to better handle increased congestion in the area. Construction was initially scheduled through May, but is now expected to be complete later this summer.

"These improvements are part of our ultimate program plans, and so they will be already done before major Project D and E work begins in these areas," said Karen Othon, public information officer with TxDOT. "That construction is anticipated to begin in early 2014."

TxDOT opened the new cloverleaf-style access ramps onto Barker Cypress Road in early May with construction on the overpass expected to be complete in mid- to late-June. Work on the Barker Cypress interchange began last October after TxDOT awarded the project to Triple B Construction in July 2012. In early 2013, work began on the other five TSM projects after the projects were awarded to James Construction Group in September 2012.

The TSM projectsnot including the $2.8 million Barker Cypress projecthave a total construction cost of about $7.1 million and will provide additional traffic movements. Once complete, the projects are expected to help with increased congestion as a result of the Hwy. 290 expansion project. The new intersections will be laid into the final configuration of the improved Hwy. 290 corridor, according to TxDOT's plans.

Existing transportation systems management projects:

Eldridge–This section of Hwy. 290 will feature three main lanes in each direction and two reversible managed lanes once the Hwy. 290 expansion is complete.

The TSM project has modified the inbound frontage road median to allow for U-turn, left turn and through traffic. A new inbound through lane has also been added.

Hwy. 6 and FM 1960–This section of Hwy. 290 will feature three main lanes in each direction once the Hwy. 290 expansion is complete.

The TSM project converts existing U-turn only lanes on the inbound and outbound frontage roads to allow left turns. Also, an inbound right-turn only lane is being added.

Telge and Huffmeister roads–This section of Hwy. 290 will feature three main lanes in each direction once the Hwy. 290 expansion is complete.

The TSM project reverses the existing configuration between Telge and Huffmeister roads and adds an auxiliary lane between the new access ramps.

Skinner Road–This section of Hwy. 290 will feature four main lanes in each direction once the Hwy. 290 expansion is complete.

The TSM project opens up the inbound U-turn only lane to traffic wishing to turn left. On the outbound side, the project is implementing a new right-turn only lane.

Cypress-Rosehill and Fry Road–This section of Hwy. 290 will feature three main lanes in each direction once the Hwy. 290 expansion is complete.

The TSM project converts the north and south frontage road U-turn only lanes to allow for left turn movements.

For more information or current updates, visit www.my290.com.