GOVERNOR RICK PERRY, U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN CULBERSON, AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS J. MADISON JOIN TXDOT IN CELEBRATING COMPLETION OF THE KATY FREEWAY RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

"We promised completion in six years and still beat the clock!"

(Houston, Texas) -- On the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2008, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will celebrate the completion of the mega Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program. Texas Transportation Commissioner Ned S. Holmes will serve as master of ceremonies for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with special guests Governor Rick Perry, Federal Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison, and U.S. Congressman John Culberson on program to celebrate the program's completion.

Following a major investment study, an environmental impact study and final design, the beginning of the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program was celebrated with a ground-breaking ceremony in June 2003. Less than six years later, TxDOT is excited to celebrate the completion of this monumental program that not only sets precedence in the state but across the nation. Raquelle Lewis, TxDOT spokeswoman said, "We promised completion in six years and still beat the clock!"

The Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program is the largest freeway reconstruction program ever performed in the State of Texas and represents a number of strategic partnerships involving visionary and collective thinking of many groups including area transportation partners, municipalities, and the business and residential communities all contributing to make this program a reality.

Drivers along the Katy Corridor are now experiencing transportation improvements that include (1) a minimum of four continuous through lanes in each direction and as many as eight lanes at key connector, entrance and exit ramp locations, (2) three continuous frontage road lanes with additional lanes for turning movements at key intersections, (3) improved drainage and flood control throughout the corridor, and (4) the new Katy Tollway/Managed Lanes which offer two lanes in each direction dedicated for METRO buses and HOV riders, as well as drivers willing to pay a toll.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority will open the new Katy Tollway/Managed Lanes in its initial Phase 1 operations effective 5 AM, Wednesday, October 29. The facility will open for HOV drivers with two or more people in the vehicle and buses only between the hours of 5 AM - 11 AM and 2 PM - 8 PM, Monday through Friday. Constables from Harris County Precinct 5 will have a large presence on the new managed lanes with driving patrols to monitor operations and enforce the facility's HOV 2+ requirements.

For more information on the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program, please contact the Katy Freeway Public Information Office at 281-589-5924 or visit the Katy Freeway web site at www.katyfreeway.org.
 

Click for Detailed Segment Information

Click for Cross Section and Traffic Handling Depictions

Click for I-10 Background and Historical Information