September 2024 project update
The ongoing Texas Clear Lanes project at Interstate 610/Cambridge Street continues to make great progress towards completion. Each day, TxDOT crews and the contractor continue to take every opportunity to accelerate work, wherever possible, to complete this project both efficiently and expeditiously. The $117 million project includes the reconstruction of mainlanes, frontage roads, and the addition of a freeway overpass with eight direct connect tie-ins at I-610 and State Highway 288. Construction began in early 2020 and is estimated for completion in early 2025. It is being financed by State and Federal funds.
As one of six (6) Texas Clear Lanes projects in the Houston area, this project is designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity, reduce congestion, add capacity, create better connectivity with SH 288, and improve overall mobility in the surrounding area. Situated in South-Central Houston, the project prioritizes better connectivity between the Medical Center, Museum District, Historic Third Ward, major event venues such as NRG Stadium, and multiple colleges and universities.
Current construction activity
Currently, Williams Brothers Construction Co. continues reconstructing mainlines, frontage roads, and constructing the I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge from the frontage road to the SH 288 north and southbound mainlanes. The I-610 South Loop eastbound mainlanes between Fannin and Scott streets continue being reconstructed, with an anticipated completion in late 2024. This work phase included removal of the old retaining walls from the east and west sides of the I-610 bridge over FM 521/ Almeda Road, removal of the old I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge bent caps and columns, and construction of new columns and bent caps. The I-610 South Loop eastbound frontage road from Fannin Street to SH 288 remains under construction with estimated completion in late 2024. Work is also ongoing to place new high mast lighting along the new mainlanes of the I-610 South Loop.
Work is also continuing on the computerized transportation management and signal systems for the new proposed Cambridge intersection that will cross under the I-610 South Loop mainlanes, along with the addition of sidewalks along FM 521/Almeda Rd and I-610 eastbound frontage road where sections of the roadway have been completed. Storm sewer operations are nearing completion along FM 521/Almeda Rd and the I-610 eastbound mainlanes on the west sides of SH 288. Intersection reconstruction continues on the I-610 eastbound frontage road on the east and west sides of FM 521/Almeda Rd, including the U-turns under the I-610 mainlanes. Williams Brothers is also working on concrete pavement adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on the I-610 eastbound frontage road.
Proposed work remaining
- Completion of the reconstruction of the I-610 eastbound mainlanes connector ramps (C&H) to SH 288 northbound and southbound.
- Completion of eastbound on-ramps from Almeda to I-610 and SH 288.
- Completion of westbound off-ramp to Almeda/Fannin.
- Reversal of eastbound on-ramp from Fannin into eastbound off-ramp to Almeda.
- High mast light installation at Cambridge and near direct connectors C & H.
- Final striping along project limits.
Work performed since August 2023
- Reconstruction of the I-610 eastbound mainlanes connector ramps (C&H) to SH 288 northbound and southbound.
- Reconstruction of the SH 288 northbound and southbound connector ramps (B&E) to I-610 eastbound mainlanes.
- Construction of proposed entrance ramp from I-610 eastbound frontage road (east of FM 521/Almeda Rd to SH 288.
- Construction of proposed entrance ramp from I-610 Eastbound frontage road from east of FM 521/ Almeda Rd to I-610 eastbound mainlanes.
- Construction of the Cambridge "signalized" intersection that will cross under I-610 South Loop between the I-610 westbound and eastbound frontage road.
- Construction of new overhead sign bridges; new striping and roadway sign placement.
- Reconstruction of proposed I-610 eastbound mainlanes from east of Fannin St to west side of Scott St.
- Reconstruction of the I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge over Cambridge St, FM 521/Almeda Rd/UPRR.
Previous work completed
- Removal of old existing I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge over FM 521/Almeda Rd/UPRR.
- Removal of old retaining wall west of FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Completed all drilled shafts for the proposed I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge including the new I-610 eastbound mainlane bridge over Cambridge St (which will be able to cross under I-610).
- Reconstruction of new retaining walls west of FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Completion of the proposed FM 521/Almeda Rd Intersection reconstruction.
- Completion of driveways and one (1) complete lane of the I-610 eastbound frontage road between FM 521/Almeda Rd to SH 288, including partial lanes of I-610 eastbound frontage road approaching FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Completion of storm sewer installation along the FM 521/Almeda Rd Intersection.
- Installation of three (3) new High Mast Lights.
- Crews have graded and placed sod along the I-610 eastbound frontage road between FM 521/Almeda Rd and SH 288.
- Sod placement along the I-610 westbound frontage road at the SH 288 exit connector ramps from I-610 westbound mainlanes
- Crews have placed concrete rip rap along the I-610 westbound frontage road between SH 288 to FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Ongoing work on electrical and CTMS at the FM 521/Almeda Rd and Cambridge Intersections.
Project overview
The $117 million project is a Texas Clear Lanes project which will offer traffic congestion relief and increased mobility with the reconstruction of mainlanes, frontage roads, and the addition of a freeway overpass with eight direct connect tie-ins at Interstate 610/State Highway 288.
The eight direct connect tie-ins will complete and link the partially completed connector ramps already built as a part of the SH 288 Express Toll Lane project, completed in July 2022. View more information on theSH 288 Express Toll Lane project.
The project will utilize a four-phased approach and has an estimated completion date of mid to late 2025.
Why is the proposed project being built and what are the benefits?
The project will offer traffic congestion relief and increase mobility with the reconstruction of mainlanes, frontage roads, and the addition of a freeway overpass and eight direct connector tie-ins to SH 288.
When will the construction begin and how long will it take? Will construction be conducted in phases?
Yes, TxDOT will use a four-phased construction approach. Construction activities began the first quarter of 2020. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Will congestion get worse during construction?
The project will cause temporary lane closures and individuals may experience occasional delays in travel. Temporary detours will be required for this project as a means of traffic control. All business and residential access within the project limits would remain open during construction. All construction closures associated with the project can be found on www.houstontranstar.org
What could affect the expected completion date of the project?
Weather delays as well as right of way and acquisition could affect the completion date.
What will be done to speed up the construction process?
Early completion incentives are built into the contract for certain critical construction phases to encourage the contractor to complete work ahead of schedule. The contract also has disincentives to monetarily penalize the contractor for not completing work as scheduled.
What will be done about noise from construction at night?
Roadway construction is temporary; TxDOT will work with the contractor to limit nighttime construction.
How will I receive communication about construction updates and road closures?
You can visit www.houstontranstar.org for construction closure information. Construction communication about the project will also be available on this website.
How will the project affect air quality? What will be done to protect the air quality in this area?
Impacts to the local air quality that could result from operations and construction of the project were considered during the planning stages of the project. The proposed improvements meet all federal air quality requirements as established by the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Will the project increase flooding?
No. Project design does not result in an increase to the base flood elevation to a level that would violate floodplain regulations and ordinances. The hydraulic design and detention facilities for the project are in accordance with current TxDOT and Federal Highway Administration policies and standards
How will ingress and egress be handled during construction and after?
Access will be maintained to all properties that currently have access, but there may be temporary closures.
What are the typical hours of construction?
The typical hours for construction on this project are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and/or 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. When major parts of the project are being undertaken, weekend closures will be necessary.
How will construction affect emergency services?
Construction will not affect emergency services. Emergency vehicles will have full access to the roadway around and within the construction zone.
Project phases
This project will offer traffic congestion relief and increase mobility with the reconstruction of the mainlanes, frontage roads, the addition of a freeway overpass and eight direct connector tie-ins for the existing direct connectors. This will take place in a four-phased approach.
Connector G
- SH 288 northbound to I-610 westbound.
- Completed February 2022.
Connector D
- SH 288 southbound I-610 westbound.
- Completed February 2022.
Connector A
- I-610 Westbound to SH 288 northbound.
- Construction began in March 2022.
- Construction completed in July 2022.
Connector F
- I-610 Westbound to SH 288 southbound.
- Contruction began in March 2022.
- Construction completed in July 2022.
Connector C
- I-610 eastbound to SH 288 southbound.
- Timing to be determined.
Connector H
- I-610 eastbound to SH 288 northbound.
- Timing to be determined.
Connector B
- SH 288 northbound to I-610 eastbound.
- Timing to be determined.
Connector E
- SH 288 southbound to I-610 eastbound.
- Timing to be determined.
Phase 1 and 3
Phase 2 and 4
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