Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority officials have entered the design phase of the Northpark Drive reconstruction project as work continues on the adjacent Northpark Drive overpass project, officials confirmed in October.
About the project
Construction began on the Northpark Drive overpass project in April 2023. The project will include the construction of an overpass over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494 along with westbound and eastbound frontage roads beside the overpass. Additionally, the project will widen Northpark Drive between Hwy. 59 and the overpass.
Initial schematics were submitted for the Northpark Drive reconstruction project earlier this year, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Woodland Hills Drive and Russell Palmer Road, replace both bridges at the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and the crossing at Ben’s Branch, and install drainage infrastructure along the roadway, LHRA officials said.
Ralph De Leon, LHRA and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10 administrator, said the two projects combined will cost roughly $149.6 million.
What’s happening?
Concerning the Northpark Drive overpass project, De Leon said utility relocations have been completed as of early October as crews continue work on drainage infrastructure. De Leon noted he expects work to begin on the frontage roads along the planned overpass in January.
Construction on the overpass itself is projected to begin by the end of 2025, officials said.
De Leon said now that schematics for the reconstruction project have been approved by the Texas Department of Transportation, LHRA is in the process of conducting land surveys, obtaining rights of entry, and preparing documents needed for the acquisition of roadway right-of-way and drainage easements.
Additionally, De Leon said officials are conducting environmental studies that will need to be completed before construction can begin, which he said should be completed next year.
Why it matters
Officials have said the project aims to alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility and increase safety in the Kingwood area. De Leon added the overpass will provide an additional evacuation route in the case of future flooding.
