Construction on major I-45 project at FM 518 expected to finish this summer

Construction on the major transportation project from NASA Parkway to FM 518 continues with the contractor expecting to finish this summer, said Danny Perez, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

The project, which is projected to cost $102 million, was previously expected to finish in late 2022, Community Impact previously reported.

“This project improves safety along the corridor as well as significantly lowers congestion by increasing the number of main lanes from six to 10 north of FM 518 and from six to eight lanes south of FM 518,” Perez said. “It also increases the number of lanes on the frontage roads to two continuous lanes and an auxiliary lane for ramp movements.”

The contractor is constructing the I-45 southbound main lanes from the south of NASA 1 to the north of FM 518 as well as the bridge over Clear Creek, Perez said.

As a part of the project, reconstruction is also underway on FM 518 at intersection and the northbound frontage road from the north of Hwy. 96 to FM 518, Perez said.

Construction on the FM 518 intersection portion of the project began on Sept. 16, Community Impact previously reported.

The contractor has completed construction of the northbound main lanes, the frontage roads north of FM 518, the southbound frontage road south of FM 518 and the I-45 main lanes south of FM 518, Perez said.

There are no delays facing the project as construction continues, Perez said.

"As with any construction project unknown utility conflicts, material availability and weather events can impact the project completion date," Perez said.

Up-to-date information on road closures during construction is available at www.houstontranstar.org.