Loop 494, Kingwood Drive Construction Virtually Complete

After more than four years of traffic disruption, TxDOT announced it has completed construction of Loop 494 and Kingwood Drive improvements. Some cleanup and a small section of sidewalk construction remains. So does the switchover from old traffic lights to new. But those things are minor compared to the heavy lifting that started in late 2019.

The result: better, safer, wider access to Kingwood and area businesses with improved drainage.

Photos from 1/10/2024

Here are some drone shots of the $11.2 million project.

*Looking E along Kingwood Drive to Loop 494 Intersection. Note additional L/R turn lanes to and from Loop 494.*

*Closer shot shows remaining sections of sidewalk.*

*Looking S at elevated and widened Loop 494 that now stretches to West Fork San Jacinto*.

*Close up of intersection. New pole-mounted stoplights are up, but not yet active. Old wire-mounted lights still need to be removed. Most visible in foreground of shot above.*

*Looking west toward I-69 and entry ponds. Insperity on left.*

Fountain and Irrigation Repairs Up Next

KSA still needs to restore electrical service to the south (left) fountain and will have to repair/upgrade the irrigation systems on both sides of the road. The repairs were postponed while construction was still in progress. KSA has already engaged engineering and landscaping experts to assess the needs and develop estimates.

It was a long slog, but the improvements should help the community and businesses for decades to come. At press time, TxDOT could not be reached regarding when it would finish site cleanup.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/11/24

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