A $1.27 billion project to widen Hwy. 290 that has been underway for the past six years is finally nearing its end, according to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation. Most of the work—including mainlane construction—is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. The project entails widening the highway to five lanes between Loop 610 and FM 1960 and to four lanes from FM 1960 to the Harris County line. Mainlanes west of the Grand Parkway will likely be completed first, according to TxDOT officials, followed by lanes between Beltway 8 and Loop 610. Meanwhile, work on a separate Hwy. 6 flyover bridge over Hwy. 290 will extend into 2019.