Northpark Shaping Up - Reduce Flooding

8/25/25 – For the first time since authorities broke ground for the Northpark expansion project in April 2023, it’s possible to clearly see the outlines of the finished project on the ground. The first all-weather evacuation route from Kingwood is shaping up nicely.

For the most part, contractors have straightened out the zigs and zags. They have finished large sections of the westbound lanes. Drainage for the eastbound lanes is progressing nicely. And soon they will start pouring concrete for large sections of the remaining eastbound lanes.

Pictures Taken on 8/25/25

The drone pictures below show the progress…starting from Russell Palmer Road and heading east.

*Notice how virtually all of the old Eastbound concrete has been removed as far as the eye can see.*

*Looking W from near Warren’s Southern Gardens*

Contractors are installing drainage under the westbound lanes. However, the drainage work is moving from west to east.

*Looking West from near the Kolache Factory and the entrance to Kings Mill.*

*Today, they were working near the Kolache Factory.*

*Father west, sidewalks have already been installed on the north side of the street.*

The photo above shows approximately where the bridge over the railroad tracks and Loop 494 will start. Notice how two lanes veer right to make room for the bridge.

*Connecting the drainage from the east and west sides of the railroad tracks will require the twin five foot steel pipes stockpiled in the foreground.*

However, work on boring under the tracks has stalled for now. But the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority believes that the utility conflicts which have delayed that operation will soon be resolved. Then boring under the tracks can resume.

*Looking N along Loop 494. Note how one of the bore pits is blocking completion of the northbound expansion lanes.*

*Looking S along 494 from over Northpark.*

*Between Loop 494 and 59, crews are still connecting drainage under the roadway.*

*Right now, they’re finishing the connection in front of Whataburger.*

*Almost at US59, crews are making room for the surface lanes that will flank the bridge.*

Looking in the opposite direction…

*Those surface lanes will also connect to the surface lanes east of Loop 494 (right of the pavement.*

*The new development on the SE corner of Northpark and Loop 494 will be called the Enclave.*

The developer plans to build a 100 homes in the Enclave.

For more information, consult the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority website.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/25

2918 Days since Hurricane Harvey