The big picture
The $259 million project by the Texas Department of Transportation involved widening all connector ramps between Loop 610 and I-69 in southwest Houston from one to two lanes. It also involved the reconstruction of the 610 West Loop main lane bridges with new shoulders and the construction of new access ramps at the intersection.
As part of the work, interchanges were upgraded to current design standards, and sight distances were increased, which officials said helps mitigate weaving, or when drivers quickly move back and forth between lanes.
The project involved building two detention ponds under the interchange in coordination with the Harris County Flood Control District, along with four pump stations and underground pipes to release stormwater into drainage systems, which officials said enhances storm resiliency in the project area.
A look back
Work has been underway at the intersection since September 2017. Construction often entailed ramp and lane closures at the heavily trafficked intersection.
The latest
TxDOT officials gathered the morning of Aug. 1 to celebrate the project's completion with a ribbon-cutting. Texas Highway Commissioner Bruce Bugg said work wrapped up roughly one year ahead of original expectations.
Bugg said the project was critical to accommodate the growing population in Houston.
"With this growth comes challenges, ... but it also brings opportunities, not only for Houston but throughout the entire state of Texas, and that's what we're embracing," Bugg said. "It also means we have to keep our transportation system ready to meet the goals of, not only today, but we're constantly looking forward."
Zooming in
For the last few years, the 3.6-mile section of Loop 610 West from I-69 to I-10 West has topped the list of the 100 most congested roads in Texas compiled each year by the Texas Transportation Institute. In the latest estimates, TTI officials said congestion on that stretch has an annual cost of $120 million based on fuel costs and the value of the time lost in traffic for people and trucks.
The section of I-69 between Loop 610 West and Hwy. 288 also made the list at No. 5.
Other Houston roads in the Top 10 include:
- The stretch of I-69 East between Hwy. 288 and I-10 East, ranked No. 2
- The stretch of Loop 610 North between I-45 North and I-10 West, ranked No. 6
- The stretch of I-10 West between Loop 610 West and I-45, ranked No. 7
- The stretch of I-45 South between I-10 and Loop 610 South, ranked No. 8
Moving forward, Bugg said more work is planned on Houston's most congested roads as part of Texas Clear Lanes, including $697.8 million in projects under construction and $19.8 billion in projects that are planned.
