In anticipation of increased traffic on the roadway for the 75th annual event, Harris County Precinct 4 and the Champions Municipal Utility District began construction in September 2018 on a $13.3 million joint project to upgrade Champions Drive from a two-lane asphalt road to a two-lane concrete paved section with improved drainage between FM 1960 and Cypress Creek.
While construction wrapped up in April, the event, which was originally scheduled to take place June 4-7 at Champions Golf Course and Cypress Creek Course, was postponed to Dec. 10-13 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While spectators are not allowed on-site due to the pandemic, fans are encouraged to watch online.
"Strong community partners like Champions MUD allow us to provide more with less," Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said in a statement. "Residents can take great pride in knowing they have a roadway worthy of their community."
According to a Nov. 11 news release, because concrete is more durable, the upgraded lanes should require less maintenance and last longer than asphalt.
Additionally, the project features updated landscaping and a unique drainage system that could reduce flooding in the area. According to the release, the system includes 13,335 underground crates wrapped in permeable fabric that will allow water to seep into the ground quickly. Layers of gravel surrounding the crates serve as a cost-effective water filtration system and stabilizer that can convey about 2.5 million gallons of water during high-water situations.
