January 2023 project update
Happy New Year! 2022 was a great year for the Interstate I-610/Cambridge project. In February 2022, crews completed the State Highway 288 northbound and southbound connectors to I-610 westbound. This work included the opening of the new connector to FM 521/Almeda Road northbound - allowing SH 288 traffic to have direct access to FM 521/Almeda Rd. northbound. Crews also completed the new I-610 westbound connectors to SH 288 northbound and southbound in July 2022.
In August 2022, the new entrance ramp to SH 288 from the I-610 South Loop westbound frontage road (west of Scott Street) was opened to traffic. In October 2022, the existing I-610 South Loop bridge over FM 521/Almeda Rd. and Union Pacific Railroad was demolished and removed.
Currently, as part of the ongoing work on the mainlanes of I-610 South Loop, both east and westbound traffic has been placed on the northern half of the freeway closing off the southern half for reconstruction. I-610 South Loop mainlane traffic will remain in the current pattern for approximately one year. This will allow demolition to continue as well as removal of the old concrete pavement and base below the pavement. Crews will begin stabilizing and rebuilding the new proposed mainlanes within the next quarter.
Current construction activity
I-610 South Loop eastbound mainlanes between Fannin Street and Scott Street are being reconstructed and anticipated for completion in late 2024. Work includes:
- Removing the old retaining walls from the I-610 bridge over FM 521/ Almeda Rd., installing drill shafts for the propsed new bridge over FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Working on the proposed retaining walls for the new bridge over FM 521/Almeda Rd.
- Installing computerized transportation management system and signal systems for the new proposed Cambridge intersection that will cross under I-610 South Loop mainlanes.
- Adding sidewalks along FM 521/Almeda Rd. and the I-610 eastbound frontage road where sections of roadway are completed.
Storm sewer work continues on the project along the I-610 eastbound frontage road including along FM 521/Almeda Rd. and a small section of the I-610 westbound frontage road just west of FM 521/Almeda Rd. The storm sewer system will also be implemented along sections of the new proposed I-610 eastbound mainlanes and within the proposed retaining walls.
Finally, the I-610 South Loop eastbound frontage road from Fannin to SH 288 in currently under construction with an estimated completion timeframe of spring 2024. FM 521/Almeda Rd. north and southbound is currently under construction from north of Holmes Road to Holly Hall Road. Work is estimated to be completed this spring. Work is ongoing to place new high mast lighting on the new mainlanes of I-610 South Loop.
Proposed work remaining
- Reconstruction of the I-610 eastbound mainlanes connector ramps to SH 288 northbound and southbound.
- Reconstruction of the SH 288 northbound and southbound connector ramps to I-610 eastbound mainlanes.
- Construction of proposed entrance ramp from I-610 eastbound frontage road from 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.
We continue to make great progress with the I-610 South Loop/Cambridge project. Each day we work with the contractor to take every opportunity to accelerate work, wherever possible, to complete this much needed project both efficiently and expeditiously.
Project overview
The $116 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 I-610/SH 288.
The eight direct connect tie-ins will complete and tie into the partially completed connector ramps already built as a part of the SH 288 Express Toll Lane project. View more information on the SH 288 Express Toll Lane project
The project will utilize a four-phased approach and has an estimated completion date of early 2024.
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.
- Constuction begins at the end of March 2022.
- Three to four months estimated to completion.
Connector F
- I-610 Westbound to SH 288 southbound.
- Contruction begins at the end of March 2022.
- Three to four months estimated to completion.
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