TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

  1. The Grand Parkway segments F-1, F-2 and G

    Construction of the Grand Parkway is requiring several lane closures and traffic diversions on a number of roads near the project. Three segments—F-1, F-2 and G—of the project are under simultaneous construction and will total 37 miles of Houston’s third outer loop. The segments stretch from Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 59 and feature major overpasses and interchanges at Hwy. 290 in Cypress, Hwy. 249 in Tomball and I-45. For up-to-date information on construction progress, visit www.grandparkway99.com. Road closures for Segment F-2 A total northbound and southbound closure of Rocky Road between Boudreaux Estates Drive and Boudreaux Road is scheduled from midnight Aug. 5 to noon Sept. 5. Drivers are encouraged to follow detour signage. Timeline: July 2013-December 2015 Cost: $1 billion Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation

  2. Medical Complex Drive extension

    The project to extend Segment 3 of Medical Complex Drive 0.9 miles between Lawrence and Cherry streets has been delayed beyond the scheduled April opening date due to rain. The completed road will have two lanes in each direction and a median in the middle. A portion of the road from Lawrence to School streets opened July 17. The city of Tomball is continuing to work with AT&T and CenterPoint Energy to relocate utilities and work on the remainder of the extension to Agg Road at South Cherry Street. Segment 3 will complete the connection from Hwy. 249 to Cherry Street. Timeline: summer 2013-July 17 (portion from Lawrence to School streets), summer 2013-TBA (portion from School Street to Agg Road at South Cherry Street), TBA (future portion from South Cherry Street to Hufsmith-Kohrville Road) Cost: $5.88 million Funding sources: city of Tomball

  3. FM 149 improvements

    The project is designed with various turn lanes on FM 149 from its intersection with Spur 149 to north of FM 1488. The three-location project includes pavement widening and marking as well as the relocation of an existing traffic signal at FM 149 and FM 1488. Timeline: late 2014-September 2015 Cost: $3.7 million Funding sources: TxDOT

  4. Telge Road widening

    The project, which is in the study phase, will consist of five segments that will widen Telge Road from just south of Little Cypress Creek to FM 2920 from two asphalt lanes to four concrete pavement lanes. The project will also add appropriate drainage accommodations and widen the Telge Road bridge over the creek. Timeline: The study phase will take 18 to 24 months to complete project development, including design plans, right of way acquisition and utility adjustments before construction can begin. Cost: $37.7 million Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 4

  5. Hufsmith-Kohrville and Holderrieth roads improvements

    The Tomball Economic Development Corporation is finalizing the proposed traffic signal and intersection improvements at Hufsmith-Kohrville and Holderrieth roads. Timeline: Harris County Precinct 4 officials plan to send the project out for bid by the end of September after the completion of the design phase. Cost: $459,000 Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 4

  6. Traffic advisory: Melton Street and Buddy Riley Boulevard intersection

    The city of Magnolia implemented a no-right-turn ordinance in early May from Melton Street to Buddy Riley Boulevard in an effort to alleviate traffic at the FM 1774 railroad tracks and increase safety. Violators are being issued citations. At the July 14 meeting, Magnolia City Council discussed establishing a time frame for the ordinance—Monday through Friday from 6:30-9 a.m. and from 2-7 p.m.—indicated on the traffic sign. The council is expected to vote on the time frame and put it into effect at the Aug. 11 meeting to allow drivers to make the right turn during nonpeak traffic hours.