Northpark hopscotch construction

Utility Conflict Still Forcing Hopscotch Construction on Northpark

7/21/25 – One remaining utility conflict in the receiving pit of a bore under UnionPacific Railroad Tracks is still forcing the Northpark expansion contractor to play hopscotch construction. This morning, crews worked all around the two bore pits but not in them or on them.

The bore is necessary to connect drainage on both sides of the tracks. And the bore must be completed before contractors can begin roadwork on top of the drainage. The pictures below, taken this morning, show where construction stands at the end of July 2025.

When complete, the Northpark expansion project will provide the first all-weather evacuation route from Kingwood. That’s important because during major flood events, such as Hurricane Harvey, Kingwood Drive can be cut off by high water. The expansion project includes a bridge over 494 and the railroad tracks, giving 78,000 a quick route to higher ground.

Bore Pits Under Tracks

This is the bore pit contractors are using to force two 5′ steel pipes under the tracks.

East of tracks in front of Self U Storage

And this is the receiving pit west of the tracks. Note the utility line bisecting the pit on a diagonal.

Receiving Pit west of tracks where junction box will eventually go.

According to Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, all work within UPRR right of way is currently on hold pending approval of a modified work plan needed to: a) address a recommended shoring method which is b) needed to remove a “previously unknown abandoned water line in conflict with the bore alignment.”

It’s always something in construction. Meanwhile…

Northpark Eastbound from 59 to Loop 494

Work continues between 59 and Loop 494.

Note how all the old concrete has been removed in the center of the roadway. The left/south side of the road has also been cleared all the way from 59 to 494.
Contractors have begun pouring concrete in front of the dry cleaners at 494 and eastbound Northpark.

Northpark Eastbound from Railroad Tracks

Farther east across the railroad tracks, clearing for surface lanes is complete and grading has begun (right of current roadway).

Looking E. A six lane bridge over the tracks will eventually be built between the concrete on the left and the graded area on the right.

Northpark Eastbound at Russell Palmer Road

Construction of the right turn lane at Russell Palmer Road is virtually complete.

Looking SE at Intersection of Russell Palmer and Northpark.
Only a small, curved section of the turn-lane construction remains in front of the Mermaid Car Wash.
Looking SW from Northpark and Russell Palmer. A long stretch of the eastbound lanes (left) is now virtually complete back past the entrance to Kings Mill.

Northpark Westbound by Sun Auto

Looking W. Sidewalk work has started next to the Sun Auto on the north, outbound side of Northpark.

This phase of sidewalk construction will go from Sherwin-Williams Paint to Self-U Storage next to the railroad tracks.
Looking W. A new development called the Northpark Enclave on the left has finished grading and installing drainage. Meanwhile, westward expansion of the surface lanes (right) has stalled in front of Public Storage (orange) because of the bore issue.

Loop 494 Northbound

Elsewhere…

Looking N along Loop 494. Crews have finished a new northbound surface lane south of Northpark and are installing drainage before paving another.
Looking S along Loop 494 opposite Slim Chickens.

Light-pole foundations on the south/eastbound side of Northpark are currently on hold due to conflicts.

Check back next month for more adventures in hopscotch construction.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/21/25

2883 Days since Hurricane Harvey