News Release: from the Katy Freeway Public Information Office
IH 610N to US 59 Direct Connector Closed For 3 Weeks
Wednesday, Jul 6th, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE....
DIRECT CONNECTOR CLOSES FOR THREE WEEKS IH 610-WEST LOOP TO US 59-SW FREEWAY
During the last three weeks in July, northbound motorists on the West Loop south of US 59 will need to use an alternative route to access the Southwest Freeway. Beginning Friday night at 9 PM on July 8, until July 30, construction will close the northbound connecting ramp to US 59-Southwest Freeway both north- and southbound. In addition, the northbound entry ramp from Bissonnet to IH 610-West Loop will be closed as well during this phase of construction.
The Texas Department of Transportation is recommending northbound commuters detour to the newly opened Westheimer Hot Link. Exit to Westheimer at the top of the overpass at US 59 and use the Westheimer U-turn to return to IH 610 frontage road southbound. Using the new southbound Hot Link, motorists can then access either US 59-Southwest Freeway north- or southbound without entering the mainlanes of IH 610. Northbound motorists on the IH 610 frontage roads can detour to Westpark and Richmond to access US 59 north- and southbound.
When the roadway reopens, the northbound mainlanes of the freeway will be in its final configuration after three years of construction. Awarded in July 2002, the $80.9 million project rebuilt the main lanes between Fournace and Post Oak, north- and southbound Hot Links, braided ramps and the Westheimer and San Felipe intersections. Construction during the next three weeks will rebuild the freeway approaches to the US 59 direct connector ramps. By compressing the work schedule into a single time period, construction can be more efficiently accelerated.
TxDOT is urging motorists to avoid congestion by planning ahead, allowing plenty of time to navigate the detour or selecting an alternative route during this final phase of construction.
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