Grand Parkway Plans to Open First Quarter 2016

Grand Parkway Plans to Open First Quarter 2016

Builders of the next major stretch of the massive third freeway loop, from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59 north of Houston, confirmed that significant rains earlier this year pushed back the opening of any new segments in 2015.

“We had 60-to-90 days where we pumped water out,” said Joe Wilson, construction manager for Zachry-Odebrecht Parkway Builders, and despite “a great September and really strong October,” they could not make their end of the year goals.

The focus now remains on Grand Parkway Plans to Open First Quarter 2016. The details of each segment opening dates are still being worked out.

The 38 miles of construction zone on the Grand Parkway, has come with challenges, particularly the enormous amount of rain the Houston area received in May and June. Segment G of the parkway – the current project encompasses segments F1, F2 and G – was “totally exposed” during the rainy months, said Wilson.

Excavations and clearings from Interstate 45 to U.S. 59 basically became mud holes. Additionally the underpass at FM 2920, also fared poorly in the storms.

Along the project, tasks such as new curbs and medians at local street crossings are underway including final checks of overpasses. It is a welcome sign to see the last phases come together and an indication of things to come. Source: Chron.com