The details
The roughly $76.2 million project will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Hwy. 59 and Russell Palmer Road, and add an overpass over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494. The first phase of construction began in April, according to officials with the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, which is funded by Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10.
Ralph De Leon, LHRA and TIRZ 10 administrator, said the first two phases include the installation of the drainage infrastructure and the widening of Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Loop 494 and Russell Palmer Road.
The third phase—which is expected to begin in February 2025—will construct the overpass bridge and a westbound and eastbound frontage road lane on each side of the overpass. Phase three will also widen the remainder of Northpark Drive between the bridge and Hwy. 59, De Leon said.
A closer look
According to project documents, the first phase of construction, which began in April, largely consists of the construction and installation of drainage infrastructure.
De Leon said the second phase of the project entered the schematic phase of the architectural design process in October.
All three phases of the project are expected to take about 30 months to complete, De Leon said.
DeLeon noted the most pressing immediate concerns for motorists traveling along the roadway will take place during the last week of October, when officials are planning on a full closure of the intersection of Northpark Drive and Russell Palmer Road to place paving across the intersection.
Why it matters
As previously reported by Community Impact, officials have said the project aims to alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility and increase safety in the Kingwood area.
De Leon noted several project benefits, including decreased travel times and congestion on the roadway, increased drainage capacity, improved pedestrian walkways, and new irrigation and landscaping.
De Leon added the planned overpass over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494 will also provide an additional evacuation route in the case of future flooding.
What's next
If the project remains on schedule, officials said construction on all three phases should wrap up by the end of 2025.
De Leon said a final design for the second phase of construction will first need to be approved before a timeline for construction will be released.
