Hempstead Road improvements to relieve Hwy. 290 congestion

Traffic engineers are working on a plan to improve the signal timing and turn lanes at several intersections along Hempstead Road. Signals are expected to be adjusted beginning July 2014.

"[Durwood Greene Construction] will do the asphalt [overlay] first, then we want to do the signal timing after that," said Mike Zientek, senior public involvement representative with the US 290 Program. "The signal timing may not be done until next year, but the timing certainly needs to be improved."

The overall scope of the Hwy. 290 expansion project calls for the addition of main lanes and tolled managed lanes between Loop 610 and the future Grand Parkway by 2017, but work is expected to continue on the Hempstead corridor for the next 20 years. The ultimate cost for upgrading both Hwy. 290 and the Hempstead corridor is estimated at $4.7 billion.

"Safety is a priority at TxDOT, and we want to urge motorists to watch for the posted signs and slow down," Othon said. "There will be road crews and equipment close to the traveling lanes, and lane closures will be changing throughout the project as the crews progress."

According to TxDOT's final environmental impact statement made available in 2009, the Hempstead corridor—including Hwy. 290 and a portion of the Union Pacific Railroad—is one of the fastest growing areas in Texas with a projected population increase of 64 percent by 2035.