The Texas Department of Transportation is working to build an overpass from US 90A to FM 359 to provide drivers a direct connection over the Union Pacific railroad crossing. Timeline: June 2016-March 2019 Cost: $27.12 million Funding source: TxDOT
The Grand Parkway at Harlem Road improvements[/caption]2. The Grand Parkway at Harlem Road improvements
The project is in the first of three phases. The roadway will be widened to include turn lanes and U-turn lanes at the intersection of Grand Parkway and Harlem Road. The project also includes the rebuilding of intersection traffic signals. Timeline: March 2017-January 2018 Cost: $2.24 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Fort Bend County
3. US 90A underpass replacement
TxDOT will begin working to replace the railroad underpass along US 90A between Lane Drive and FM 762 in August. The project has been sent out for bid. Estimated to take more than two years to complete, the project converts the railroad underpass to an overpass. Timeline: August 2017-December 2020 Cost: $18.4 million Funding source: TxDOT
4. Crabb River Road widening
The project widens Crabb River Road between George Ranch High School and the bridge over Rabbs Bayou from two lanes with a center turn lane to a four-lane, concrete, divided roadway. The divided roadway is expected to increase safety along the road by limiting the locations at which left turns can be made. The project is slated to go out for bid in January 2018. Timeline: TBA Cost: $28 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Fort Bend County
Who builds roads around new developments?[/caption]
How it works
Who builds roads around new developments? As rapid development continues around the state, the Texas Department of Transportation and local entities create public-private partnerships to build roads around new developments.
Developers often approach TxDOT about building roadways that connect to their businesses or improving nearby traffic lights, TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez said. If the project also improves traffic flow, the two entities enter an agreement with the developer contributing a portion or all of the costs of the project.
Perez said developers have funded a number of transportation projects—even a $2 million ramp reversal on I-45 in Galveston County two years ago.
Developers can also build roads themselves. The company would need to submit its plan to TxDOT—or whichever entity owns the roadway it would connect to—for approval. The developer would retain the right of way in this case.
After the road is built, the developer has the option to return the right of way to TxDOT or another entity for long-term maintenance of the road.