HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After more than six years of work, a major freeway construction project has finally been completed, but some drivers feel more could have been done.
The conclusion of the project, aimed at improving the heavily congested U.S. 59 and IH-610 interchange, was marked by a grand celebration complete with a band, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is what I call the high-five moment,” said Texas Transportation Commission chairman J. Bruce Bugg.
However, not all motorists shared the celebratory mood.
“It’s opened up a little bit, but not very much,” commented driver Carolyn Moreno.
“I think it’s been better, but there still has been some traffic,” added driver Kieren Coffey.
One area that remains a problem is the southbound U.S. 59 connection ramp to the West Loop into the Galleria, which continues to be just one lane. TxDOT officials cited right-of-way and lane configuration issues as obstacles to expansion. Although it’s on their radar, there are currently no plans to address it.
“It still takes me 20 minutes to get right there by the Galleria,” Moreno noted.
The nearly $260 million project did bring some improvements for drivers: other connection ramps were widened to two lanes, shoulders were added to the West Loop, drainage was improved with detention areas, and visibility for drivers was enhanced.
While crews have finished this project, they won’t be going far. Currently, $700 million in freeway projects are underway in Houston, with an additional $20 billion planned for the future.
“We’re trying to address today’s issues to improve everyone’s life now, while also planning for the future,” Bugg explained.
Officials are uncertain how much the 59-610 project has alleviated congestion. They expect to know next year if it has fallen from its position as the second most congested interchange in the state. Some drivers remain skeptical.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” said driver Max Palermo. “That’s all I have to say about that.”
As southwest Houston enjoys a break from construction, TxDOT crews are preparing to move northeast. In October, a groundbreaking will take place for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, which will reconstruct the North Freeway from downtown to the Beltway.
