By the end of 2022, I-45 will pass over Holland in Dickinson, according to an email from Danny Perez, a Texas Department of Transportation public information officer. Prior to construction, Holland passed over I-45.
Additionally, a new intersection at I-45 and Lago Mar Boulevard will be constructed, with I-45 passing over Lago Mar.
The work will be done in three phases.
First, the Holland overpass will be demolished; the construction of new frontage roads will be completed; and TxDOT will temporarily widen the existing I-45 southbound main lanes, according to Perez. The Holland overpass was demolished beginning Feb. 5.
Then, all traffic will shift to the southbound half of I-45, and TxDOT will construct the new I-45 northbound main lanes, including the I-45 northbound lanes over Holland and Lago Mar.
Finally, all traffic will shift to the northbound side of I-45, and TxDOT will construct the new southbound main lane overpasses at both intersections and complete the east-west roadways below I-45. TxDOT will also build dedicated U-turns at the intersections, according to Perez.
During the months of work, motorists may have to detour. Eastbound Holland motorists who want to go north on I-45 will have to turn south, enter I-45, take the exit to FM 1764, continue east and take the Century Boulevard exit, make a U-turn, drive west on FM 1764 and merge onto I-45. Those who want to go west on Holland from I-45’s northbound lanes will have to exit onto the I-45 frontage road, turn around at Hughes Road and continue south along the I-45 frontage road before reaching Holland.
It is expected Holland and Lago Mar will be open to east-west traffic by late next year.
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The intersection flip is part of TxDOT’s $230 million project to widen I-45 from north of FM 517 to south of FM 1764. The widening is expected to wrap up by late 2023.
“The I-45 expansion project between FM 517 to FM 1764 will improve mobility for motorists while reducing congestion and improving safety along this heavily traveled corridor,” a TxDOT press release said. “The corridor changes will also aid in facilitating the growth and development of Galveston County and will provide the capacity to support the anticipated future growth of the surrounding communities.”
The widening of I-45 between NASA Parkway and FM 518 costs $99.7 million and will finish by the end of the year, and the widening of I-45 from FM 518 to FM 517 costs $121.7 million and is expected to finish in early 2022.
