KATY FREEWAY CONSTRUCTION: END IN SIGHT “The eastbound main lanes are wide open all the way into downtown for the first time in more than 36 months. . . . Having this long stretch of roadway open paves the way for the final completion of the entire project slated for October 2008, a grand total of 23 miles.” [abc13]
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The reality is that the eastbound main lanes have been open during rush hour for the last 36 months as the free was originally constructed.
The story is that the new configuration that allows freeways lanes outside of the 610 loop access to the wide existing lanes inside the loop.
The best news is that the entire project (in terms of substantial completion) will be finished in October 2008. It is way ahead of schedule. Post October 2008, the most activity you should see would be the finished of design touches and tree plantings. The tree total is going to be around 75,000!
Say what you will about Williams Brothers Construction, but having worked on bridge projects in the past and traveling the Katy Fwy daily, I have been very impressed with the progress they have been making all along with this entire project.
Just wait another 10 years when it’s conjested again. Rail would have been a better option.
Mike,
From your comment it appears you don’t have a background in transportation. Any transportation engineer (branch of civil engineering dealing with movement of people and goods) would admit that rail cannot and will not ever reduce traffic demand on a freeway. If you need an example, just look at Portland, Oregon.
Whether it is light rail or heavy commuter rail, a reduction in vehicular traffic needs is not reduce through rail implementation. Rail should only be looked at as adding multiple options for transit. If authorities state their purpose is to reduce traffic by building rail, they misleading and simply lying to the public.
The reality is that the Katy Freeway toll lanes which will also be the commuter bus transit lanes will move more people in higher volumes efficiently than any rail system could.
The HOV system in Houston compared to other commuter rail systems in the US and World is a much more efficient way of moving people and with the ridership numbers to prove it.
Rail in Houston is a collosal waste of money. Improving upon the bus system makes far more sense and costs tons less than rail, plus it’s immenently more flexible.