Extensive construction plans to help ease gridlock traffic along the Hwy. 290 corridor have faced funding hurdles delaying the start of construction. However, the Texas Department of Transportation has identified smaller projects that can be built in the interim to ease congestion.

Of the $2.8 billion total projected costs for improvements to the Hwy. 290 corridor, $1.4 billion is still unfunded. In October 2011, Houston-Galveston Area Council's Transportation Policy Council approved $6.5 million in state Proposition 12 bond funding. A portion is being used for the small projects.

The Hwy. 290 traffic system management projects will add modifications like combined left-turn lanes, U-turn lanes and auxiliary lanes, which are designated lanes between highway entrances and exits that cut down on traffic and allow easier movement between lanes.

"The reality is 290 is a nightmare," said Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack. "For years, we have been trying to get more attention by the state and federal government, and I believe we are getting close to get these projects done—some are already underway."

The only part of the Hwy. 290 project that is fully funded is at the I-610 and Hwy. 290 interchange, with construction to start late next year and estimated to be completed by 2016. To widen the portion of Hwy. 290 near Beltway 8, TxDOT needs to relocate existing columns. That part will be put out for bid in the summer with construction starting in the fall and should also end by 2016.

TxDOT is already in the process of connecting Hwy. 290 to I-10 beginning at the Hwy. 290/ I-610 interchange. This will allow drivers going eastbound on Hwy. 290 and those traveling westbound on the North Loop to directly connect to I-10 via ramp. TxDOT hopes to have the interchange done by 2015 and a ramp for drivers going in the opposite directions on Hwy. 290 and I-610 completed by 2016.