WEST HOUSTON ASSOCIATION
820 Gessner Suite 190
Houston, Texas 77024
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Update Center
US 290 element delayed by funding crisis
Need for Hempstead Managed Use lanes now paramount
US 290 Project Information Website (TxDOT)
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
Overview of US 290 and Hempstead Corridor from Loop 610 to FM 2920
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.
The MIS evaluated the future transportation needs of the Corridor and evaluated alternatives in addressing transportation issues. The MIS evaluated various transportation alternatives to determine which alternatives were best to address congestion, traffic safety, and environmental issues along the Corridor.
This MIS was begun in 1999 and was completed in 2002. Following the review of over 11 alternative treatments and three major public meetings with a total attendance of nearly 1000 residents and workers in the corridor, a recommended alternative was selected.
Preferred Alternative
The preferred alternative is to widen US 290 to 5 general purpose lanes in each direction between Loop 610 and the Grand Parkway. In addition, it proposes 4 general purpose lanes from the Grand Parkway to FM 2920.
The preferred alternative also contains "advanced high-capacity transit" along Hempstead inside Beltway 8 and along US 290 outside BW 8.
In addition the alternative calls for a 4 lane, two-way,
managed use facility along Hempstead. This concept is similar to that
being constructed in the Interstate 10 West corridor. The difference is
that the Hempstead facility will not be in the center of the freeway as is the
I-10 project. Click on these thumbnails for a schematic
Potential Changes to project cross sections
Current Developments
TxDOT is experiencing a severe funding crisis resulting in cutbacks in current projects and delays for future projects such as US 290. This suggests the expansion of US 290 proper will be delayed placing more pressure on the toll financed managed use lanes to be built in on the Hempstead alignment.
The project is entering preliminary design and the connection of US 290 at Loop 610 to Interstate 10 West is being redesigned to improve traffic flow in that highly congested corridor.
In addition, an evaluation is underway on the Hempstead managed use lanes as a tolled project, again similar to the managed use lanes on Interstate 10 West.
The Hempstead/US-290 Managed Lane project is a 22 mile project, extending from IH-610 to SH-99 (Grand Parkway). The schematic engineering will be completed Fall 2007. The final engineering will begin Spring 2008 and be completed Summer 2014. Construction will begin Spring 2010 and be completed Spring 2014. The estimated construction cost is $550 Million; When completed, the managed lanes will provide 2 lanes in each direction. This project is dependent upon a formalized agreement with TxDOT.
A major concern of the West Houston Association is the design of grade separations in the corridor. We believe the major thoroughfares crossing both US 290 and Hempstead should be grade separated to improve mobility in the entire corridor.