TxDOT Produces US 290 Overview Report.  Download at this link (PDF)

County not ready to move on 290 toll lanes

June 22, 2010 Houston Chronicle

The long-talked about addition of toll lanes to U.S. 290 will wait at least one more year. Despite a citizens group's pleas for action to relieve traffic on the freeway, Commissioners Court not to include any construction on the lanes in the next year's construction plan.  It is not that the Court does not see the need, County Judge Ed Emmett said.

"There's no funding right now, and the design is still up in the air," Emmett said.

Art Storey, executive director of the Harris County Public Infrastructure Department, confirmed that the county and the Texas Department of Transportation have not agreed on a design or how to pay for an expansion of 290 that would include new lanes, the addition of toll lanes and the necessary work on interchanges.  Storey said there has been speculation that the total revamping of 290 could cost between $5 billion and $6 billion.

In a year when Harris County has identified more than $800 million in building needs, but could fund only $63 million in repairs and construction, the money is just not there, Storey said.  "We're doing all we can, considering fiscal responsibility, the public need and public safety," Storey said.

US 290/I-610 Interchange Gets Infusion of Funds; Goes to Contract in May 2011

The Texas Transportation Commission selected the interchange of US 290 and I-610 to begin the reconstruction of the 290 Corridor.  $315 million in proceeds from the sale of Proposition 12 Texas General Obligation Bonds will be allocated to design and build approximately 50% of the eventual crucial complex of three major freeways serving Greater West Houston.  The WHA believes this is a critical first step in the eventual US 290 Corridor project.  It is a keystone for access from the northwest of Greater West Houston to major activity centers inside Loop 610.

Read the West Houston Association Briefing Paper on this project at this link.

Link to TxDOT US 290 Corridor site.

Commuter Rail to Help Solve Mobility Issues  |  Judge Ed Emmett

"Harris County is home to some of the most congested roadways in Texas. As the county’s population continues to boom, transportation will be an even bigger challenge. With financial and space limits on highway construction, additional solutions are needed to improve mobility. Commuter rail on existing railroad tracks holds great potential. Improving air quality by taking cars off the road also makes commuter rail an attractive mode of transportation.
Commuter rail differs from light rail and other forms of railway passenger service in a number of ways. Commuter rail normally involves traditional trains powered by diesel/electric locomotives operating on existing freight rail lines, while light rail operates in a dedicated right of way (as in Houston’s Main Street Red Line) and is powered by overhead electric wires. Since commuter rail accommodates mostly long-distance trips within a region, usually between the outlying areas and the main metropolitan hub, stations are farther apart (around five miles), and trips peak at the morning and evening commute times.

Recent studies for the Houston-Galveston Area Council have identified two key “early implementation” corridors for development as part of a long-distance commuter rail system in the Harris County region. The first, called the 290/Hempstead corridor, is located in northwest Harris County and is planned to use the existing Union Pacific Railroad “Eureka” line. It begins at the Eureka Junction at the intersection of Old Hempstead Highway and Old Katy Road near Interstate 10. This project has been identified as the most critical commuter transit project in the Houston region because of the tremendous growth in northwest Harris County.
A second identified corridor along State Highway 3 will connect Galveston and communities in southeast Harris County to the Houston area. This line not only will provide an alternative to congested freeway corridors, but will also provide additional means of emergency evacuation during hurricanes.
Recently, the Union Pacific Railroad has offered to make these two rail corridors available for commuter rail. Working with the Gulf Coast Rail District, the goal is to have both lines in operation in time to connect to METRO’s expanded light rail system so commuters can experience seamless rail transportation to the numerous employment centers and other destinations in the greater Houston area."

 

Overview of US 290 and Hempstead Corridor from Loop 610 to FM 2920

(Click Picture Thumbnails)

Following the completion of the management investment study (MIS) of the US 290 corridor, TxDOT completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is awaiting approval by the Federal Highway Administration.

Important Links

US 290 Project Information Website (TxDOT)

Hempstead Toll Road by HCTRA

US 290 DEIS Map Sections

Metro Operating Cypress Park & Ride Service

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available at this link

TxDOT project website can be viewed at this link www.my290.com