Northpark Overpass Groundbreaking Announced
Today, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced the groundbreaking for the Northpark Drive Overpass Project. Weather permitting, it will happen Thursday, April 13.
It took months to acquire right-of-way for the project. Northpark Drive will expand from four lanes to six. And it will include a bridge over Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks.
Groundbreaking During Mobilization
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA)/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10 Board has awarded a contract to Harper Brothers Construction for the project.
The ceremonial groundbreaking will actually happen during the mobilization phase. In coming weeks, residents can expect to see the contractor pre-positioning equipment, supplies, and materials for construction.
Finally, an Elevated Evac Route over Railroad
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project will alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and increase safety in the Kingwood area. The 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study, commissioned by TIRZ 10, concluded this project is critical to ensuring public safety.
Local leaders have worried for years about evacuating Kingwood in the event of a natural disaster or chemical spill during a derailment, similar to those that have made headlines around the country lately.
The first phase of this project will go from I-69 to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch
A second phase, not yet approved, will extend to Woodland Hills Drive and include elevated bridges over the Diversion Ditch and Bens Branch.
Each phase will take approximately two years, according to the LHRA. Work will begin near I-69 and move east. The City is only breaking ground on the first phase at this time.
The project promises multiple benefits:
- Better traffic flow, less congestion
- Improved emergency access/egress.
- Improved drainage that meets new post-Harvey Atlas-14 requirements.
- Wider pedestrian walkways.
- Enhanced lighting and landscaping.
- Elimination of center ditch.
TIRZ Meetings Open to Public
Safety Considerations during Construction
Once construction commences, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
For a detailed traffic plan during construction, residents can view the plans here (pages 43-163).
As a reminder, TIRZ Board meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2023 Board of Directors Calendar.
Please contact the District E office by phone at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov with any questions or comments.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/6/2023
2046 Days since Hurricane Harvey
