The Harris County Toll Road Authority is working to finish the expansion of Beltway 8 between Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 288 by the end of 2013. The $118 million project began construction in late 2011 and is adding two additional main lanes in each direction along the 12-mile stretch.

"Given extensive population growth in the region, added road capacity is critical to help mitigate the additional demands being placed on the road system," HCTRA media coordinator Adam Collett said.

The project also includes the implementation of 10-foot inside emergency lanes in each direction to improve both mobility and safety for motorists, as well as the reconfiguration of the toll plaza between Almeda Road and Hwy. 288.

The new plaza configuration is expected to include one new westbound EZ Tag lane. An additional eastbound EZ Tag lane will be opened as well once the Beltway 8 expansion project continues between Hwy. 288 and I–45, Collett said.

The expansion project is part of HCTRA's long-term plan to expand Beltway 8 throughout the Houston area. Spanning more than 70 miles, tolled portions of the beltway are maintained by HCTRA, and TxDOT manages non-tolled portions.