A new bridge over Flat Creek Bank opened Dec. 3, linking the master-planned communities of Sienna Plantation and Riverstone. The project, which began in 2010, has been a joint venture between Fort Bend County, Levee Improvement District No. 19, Municipal Utility District No. 149 and the Riverstone and Sienna Plantation management. The county provided $2.4 million toward the project, or 38 percent of the more than $8 million price tag.

"The bridge is a critical infrastructure component because it allows folks in Sienna Plantation and Riverstone to move between the two communities without having to use Hwy. 6," County Judge Bob Hebert said. "What we try to do with all of these improvements is include stakeholders to lower the cost to the taxpayers while still getting the infrastructure developed."

In addition to connecting areas of increased residential development, the bridge offers an alternate route to the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road—which is expected to be extended from Hwy. 6 to Sienna Parkway by early 2014.

The project was completed in several phases, including road work, drainage facilities, water lines, sidewalks and landscaping. The bridge is open to traffic, but landscaping work is expected to continue into 2014.

"[The bridge] is going to make a huge difference in the drive to our schools," Sienna Plantation resident Richard Muller said. "It is a life changer for residents of both Sienna Plantation and Riverstone."

The three-mile bridge connects Sienna Springs Road in Sienna Plantation to LJ Parkway in Riverstone. LJ Parkway currently ends north of University Boulevard, which was extended in early 2013 to connect Hwy. 59 to Hwy. 6 in Missouri City.

"Accessibility in the area will be enhanced further when LJ Parkway, named for Johnson Development president Larry Johnson, connects with Commonwealth Boulevard, which is planned for next year," said Tom Wilcox, general manager of Riverstone.