Northpark-494 Intersection Still Closed, But Drainage Now Complete

8/8/26 – The major action these days on the Northpark Drive Expansion project centers around the Loop 494 intersection. While Northpark is open and flowing in both directions, Loop 494 is totally blocked off and will remain so for the next month as contractors work on the bridge.

However, there’s good news to share. There entire Northpark drainage system from I-69 past Russell Palmer Road is now complete.

Intersection Closure

Concrete barriers prevent drivers on Loop 494 from crossing Northpark in both directions. To continue north or south on Loop 494, drivers must go east or west on Northpark to the nearest crossover, and double back. See below.

*Looking SE at the Northpark/Loop 494 Intersection*

The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 originally hoped to open the intersection before New Caney ISD schools started last week, but the new target date is now September 12.

Reasons for Delay

Drainage

Connecting the drainage on both sides of Northpark was more difficult than expected. However, that is now complete – and not just from the Shell Station on the north side to the dry cleaners on the south.

“The entire Northpark drainage system for Phase I is now complete.”
Ralph De Leon, Project Manager

*Last drainage link in entire Northpark Phase I system*, south of Shell Station.

De Leon described completion of the drainage system as a “huge milestone.”

Bridge Construction

The contractor has to build three huge bridge columns immediately east side of the intersection. These particular columns are the largest and deepest because of their location near the middle of the bridge. The contractor will use the intersection as the construction zone during installation.

They really have no other choice. Because of other work on the abutments, they are hemmed in on both sides. And specialized trucks that will haul off the mud from the hydro-excavation are huge. They will be staged at the intersection.

Height of the cranes used in the excavation also presents a logistical problem.

*Crane used for hydro-excavation. Beginning of west bridge abutment to its right.*

In a worst-case scenario, if tipped, they could fall within the safety zone of the UPRR Tracks or even on the tracks themselves. That adds another level of complexity to the operation.

Bridge Caps on Columns

Additionally, contractors must build bridge caps on top of the columns to support the bridge beams. By this time, Loop 494 should be reopened, but contractors will have to narrow it to two lanes.

*Cap currently under construction close to east abutment. Others near intersection will be much larger.*

Danger to School Buses

Even though De Leon hoped to have the intersection totally open before students returned to school, he said, “We couldn’t have school buses running through the construction zone. It’s too dangerous.”

De Leon has communicated with both New Caney ISD and Humble ISD since the beginning of the project.