Beginning this week, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will commence a $58.8 million project aimed at revamping the HOV lanes along U.S. 75 to alleviate congestion from LBJ to the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
According to Tony Hartzel, a spokesperson for TxDOT’s Northeast division, feedback over the years has indicated that the HOV lanes were not being fully utilized. As more people travel along this corridor, there is a growing need for improvements.
Under the proposed plans, the inside lanes will be open to all drivers except during morning and evening rush hours. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the inside lanes will be designated for HOVs, low-emission vehicles, and motorcyclists.
The initial phase of the project involves removing the pylons, which have been a common source of complaints among drivers. It is estimated to take 5 months to remove the remaining pylons from both the northbound and southbound lanes, many of which have been damaged or displaced.
According to Hartzel, the pylons were installed to deter drivers from unauthorized lane changes, but they have proven challenging to maintain.
Once the pylons are removed, the inside lanes will remain as traditional HOV lanes for a few more years until the project is completed, Hartzel explained.
The $58.8 million project will encompass rebuilding the center barrier, installing overhead lights, and implementing new signs and technology to inform drivers about lane usage regulations.
Weather permitting, nightly lane closures will commence on Monday, March 4, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and will continue through fall 2024 for the initial phase of the project.
