Transportation Updates

Transportation Updates University Boulevard North extension and rail relocation[/caption]

1. University Boulevard North extension and rail relocation

University Boulevard North in Sugar Land is being extended approximately 1,000 feet from Union Pacific Railroad to connect to Stadium Drive. Starting in mid-May, the city of Sugar Land began work on Hwy. 90 related to the project. A portion of the median was removed from west of the proposed University Boulevard North intersection with Hwy. 90 to just west of Ulrich Street, according to the city. The existing intersection will be altered, including removal of the signal and removal of the left-turn movement during construction. Phase 1 of the project is due for completion in late summer with Union Pacific Railroad’s work set for around October 2016. Phase 2 of the project will be funded and led by Johnson Development and is expected to be completed by 2018.

Timeline: August 2015-summer 2016 (Phase 1) Cost: $16.15 million (Phase 1-2) Funding sources: city of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Sugar Land tax increment reinvestment zone district

2. Festival Site roadway project

As part of Sugar Land’s 2013 Parks Bond Program, the city is building a 52-acre festival site adjacent to the Brazos River and Hwy. 59. The roadway at the festival site is under construction. The grading and drainage work is being constructed, and work on a deceleration lane from the Hwy. 59 frontage road will follow. Installations of an irrigation system and turf, as well as extending power to the site, are ongoing. The project also includes a four-lane divided concrete roadway, parking and trail access, sidewalks and other features.

Timeline: February 2015-2018 Cost: $2.6 million Funding sources: city of Sugar Land, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3

Transportation Updates Festival Site roadway project[/caption]

3. Union Pacific Railroad track construction

Union Pacific Railroad is constructing a 6-mile double railroad track from Ulrich Street in Sugar Land through Stafford to Gessner Road in Missouri City. The company is working on the signalization between new crossings and road signals. The company is finishing the track, and anticipated work would be complete by the end of May. A spokesperson for the railroad said construction could be extended due to weather-related disruptions. Most activity is being conducted on the railroad’s property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Timeline: August 2014-spring 2016 Cost: $41 million Funding sources: Union Pacific Railroad

4. Turtle Creek Drive

The project to replace water lines, and remove and replace the road surface on the street from Hilton Head to Mission Valley drives in Missouri City, is on schedule for completion in June. A contractor is working on the final phase of the roadway construction and completing the sidewalks, driveways and sod started in the prior phase.

Timeline: May 2015-June 2016 Cost: $2.2 million Funding source: city of Missouri City

5. Texas Parkway

The Texas Department of Transportation is conducting paving work along Texas Parkway from Hwy. 90 to FM 3345 in Missouri City. The project will mill and overlay the existing roadway. The majority of the paving work has been completed, with the exception of the pavement at the median crossovers. The only remaining work is the permanent striping along the newly paved roadway.

Timeline: May-fall 2016 Cost: $1.7 million Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation