Construction continues on the extension of high occupancy vehicle lanes on I-45 between Harris and Montgomery counties, a project that could alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate increased public transportation usage.
The Texas Department of Transportation is extending HOV lanes along the center of I-45 from FM 1960 to South Loop 336 in Conroe, TxDOT officials said. The 16-mile extension will create an HOV lane in each direction—similar to those found on I-10 in Houston—and is expected to be completed in April.
Construction began on the $2.6 million expansion in October with TxDOT funding 20 percent of the project costs and the remaining 80 percent funded through federal sources, TxDOT officials said.
David Wurdlow, a program manager with Houston-Galveston Area Council, said the new HOV lanes will incentivize car pools and public transportation options. Commuters who use public transportation options—such as The Woodlands Express park and ride or a Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority park and ride—will see the biggest benefit, Wurdlow said.
