Friendswood Link Road widening[/caption]1. Friendswood Link Road widening
The city of Friendswood widening project on Friendswood Link Road is ongoing. In the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, the project received funding from a Texas General Land Office disaster recovery grant. The project is expected to improve emergency evacuation routes out of Friendswood. The thoroughfare will be widened from FM 518 to Blackhawk Boulevard, an approximately 1-mile stretch. The portion of the project in Galveston County-—FM 518 to Hibiscus Lane—will be expanded from two to three lanes with a dedicated turn lane. From Hibiscus Lane to Blackhawk Boulevard-—which is in Harris County-—the road will be widened from two to four lanes with medians. The project also includes the installation of new sidewalks and an improved drainage system. The project is in its final phase, and Friendswood officials said completion is set for the summer barring any delays.
Timeline: fall 2014-summer 2016
Cost: $5.3 million
Funding sources: Texas General Land Office grant, city of Friendswood
2. Friendswood roadway improvements
In early March, construction began on Shadowbend Avenue, the first in a group of Friendswood streets slated for repavement projects. Mary Ann Drive, Townes and Winding roads will also each have a section of roadway reconstructed. All four thoroughfares were grouped together for one construction contract. City Council unanimously approved a contract with El Dorado Paving Company on Dec. 7. Voters approved a bond referendum in 2013 for the projects. Work is underway on Shadowbend Avenue and Winding Road. Another roadway will begin construction upon the completion of Shadowbend Avenue. City officials said it is not ideal to have too many streets under construction simultaneously.
- 2a. Mary Ann Drive will have 16,001 feet of its roadway replaced.
- 2b. Shadowbend Avenue will have 1,224 feet of its roadway replaced.
- 2c. Townes Road will have 786 feet of its roadway replaced.
- 2d. Winding Road will have 2,133 feet of its roadway replaced.
Timeline: March 2016-first quarter 2017
Cost: $2.5 million
Funding sources: city of Friendswood, Texas Department of Transportation
3. Hughes Ranch Road widening
The city of Pearland received funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council for its project to widen Hughes Ranch Road. The city was notified of its Transportation Improvement Program funding late last year, officials said. In an effort to ease east-west traffic congestion, the project will expand Hughes Ranch Road from two to four lanes from Cullen Boulevard to Smith Ranch Road. Upon completion the concrete curb and gutter thoroughfare will include a raised median and an underground sewer system. The project also includes sidewalks, lighting, sound walls and traffic signals. Pearland is in the process of acquiring all necessary right of way and expect to begin construction in 2017. The project is expected to take 18-24 months to complete, officials said.
Timeline: 2017-2019
Cost: $22.35 million
Funding sources: H-GAC, city of Pearland
Bailey Road widening[/caption]4. Bailey Road widening
Construction continues on the city of Pearland project to widen Bailey Road, which will cause a road closure for more than a month. Manor Road will be closed at the intersection with Bailey Road until June 6, according to city officials. Drivers are encouraged to use Harkey Road as an alternative route south to Massey Ranch Road. All properties on Manor Road will be accessible from Massey Ranch Road, officials said. The Bailey Road project will expand the thoroughfare from two to four lanes in an effort to relieve east-west traffic congestion. A 10-foot-wide mixed-use path for pedestrians and cyclists will be installed on the north side of the road. The project received funding as part of H-GAC’s Transportation Improvement Program.
Timeline: September 2015-September 2017
Cost: $21.3 million
Funding sources: H-GAC, city of Pearland
