Originally scheduled to begin in late 2015, construction on the projects to add toll lanes on Hwy. 288 in Brazoria and Harris counties is now expected to start in the third quarter of 2016, according to TxDOT officials.

Combined, the two projects stretch approximately 15 miles and cost $950 million for the design-build phase. Two toll lanes will be installed in each direction in the existing center median.

Officials said finalizing the contract between TxDOT and Blueridge Transportation Group—the contractor for the Harris County project—caused the delay. The partnership is the Greater Houston area’s first in which a private contractor will design, construct, finance, operate and maintain the highway, according to officials.

1. The Harris County project spans 10.3 miles from Hwy. 59 to Clear Creek.

2. Eight director connectors to Beltway 8 will be installed in addition to (3) two direct connectors in the Texas Medical Center at Holcombe Boulevard.

3. The  existing connectors at Loop 610 will also be reconstructed as part of the project.

The Brazoria County project runs from Clear Creek to CR 58.

Brazoria County will also install a T-ramp for access to Hwy. 288 at Hughes Ranch Road in Pearland.

While the start date for the projects will be determined by when the contracts are executed, both segments are expected to open to traffic in summer 2019.