1. Austin Parkway improvements
The newly constructed southbound lanes of Austin Parkway between Autumn Lakes and Commonwealth Boulevard in Sugar Land opened to motorists Oct. 12. The northbound lanes are now closed, and the southbound lanes are being used for two-way traffic while work continues to rebuild the road. The lane closures and construction have increased traffic congestion in the area, especially during school hours. Construction started in June on improvements to Austin Parkway and Lakefield Boulevard and includes the reconstruction of a total of 2,803 linear feet of 8-inch concrete pavement and the replacement of a total of 3,000 linear feet of 12-inch water pipeline. A 10-foot wide concrete trail on the northbound side of Austin Parkway will also be constructed as part of the project. Timeline: March 2015-August 2016 Cost: $3.4 million Funding sources: city of Sugar Land
2. Williams Trace Boulevard improvements
The final engineering design for the first phase of reconstruction of Williams Trace Boulevard between Austin Parkway and Hwy. 6 in Sugar Land is underway. Construction on the project is expected to begin in fall 2016. As part of the project, approximately 1 mile of roadway and water main pipes will be replaced. New fire hydrants and storm drains will be added, and ornamental traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Williams Trace and Austin Parkway. A 10-foot wide path for pedestrian and bicycle use will also be built along the east side of the roadway. Final cost estimates for the first phase have not been determined yet. Timeline: fall 2016-fall 2017 Cost: TBD Funding sources: city of Sugar Land
3. LJ Parkway extension
Construction to connect LJ Parkway with Commonwealth Boulevard to provide a new route into the master-planned community of Riverstone in Sugar Land started in July and is on schedule for completion in December. Riverstone Development is leading the project, which is located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Sugar Land. The project includes the construction of LJ Parkway as a four-lane, curb and gutter roadway from just north of University Boulevard to just south of Commonwealth. A single-lane roundabout similar to the one on Lexington Boulevard will connect Commonwealth and LJ Parkway north of the Centerpoint easement. The project also includes the addition of sidewalks and landscaping along the new roadway. Timeline: July-December Cost: $2.4 million Funding sources: Riverstone Development
4. University Boulevard extension
Construction on Phase 1 of the University Boulevard North project in Sugar Land started in August. This is the final portion of the University extension, which will be completed in two phases. A timeline for Phase 2 has not been determined. Phase 1 will extend University across Hwy. 90 to approximately 1,000 feet north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The project includes improvements to Hwy. 90, a new traffic signal system at the intersection and a four-lane boulevard section with accommodations for pedestrians. Timeline: August 2015-March 2016 (Phase 1) Cost: $5.3 million (Phase 1) Funding sources: city of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Sugar Land tax increment reinvestment zone district
