News Release: from the Katy Freeway Public Information Office
SB Beltway 8 to EB I-10 Ramp Opens Early
Friday, Sep 21st, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2007
CONTACT:
Raquelle Lewis lewisr@pbworld.com
Katy Freeway Public Information Officer
281-589-5852 / 713-806-3318
COMMITMENTS MADE & KEPT –
TxDOT Validates Its Commitment to the Driving Public
“Southbound Beltway 8 Direct Connector Ramp to I-10 Eastbound Scheduled to Open Early”
(Houston) TxDOT contractor, Williams Brothers Construction, opened the new Beltway 8-West southbound direct connector ramp to I-10/Katy Freeway eastbound today, Friday, September 21. The opening of this ramp comes more than 30 days ahead of schedule and proves once again TxDOT’s commitment to delivering transportation improvements to the driving public as quickly and efficiently as possible while assuring the safety of drivers and workers in the area.
The final stages of reconstruction activities at the I-10/Beltway 8 interchange began in April of this year and involved the demolition and reconstruction of eight direct connector ramps that facilitate movement between I-10 and Beltway 8. The first ramp taken out of service, Beltway 8 southbound to I-10 westbound, opened ahead of schedule in June. Construction activities on the remaining six direct connector ramps will continue through November 2008. “The reconstruction of the southbound to eastbound ramp proved to be a monumental task with many challenges, however our team on the ground stayed proactive in dealing with issues as they arose. With the completion of the these first two ramps ahead of schedule, I am encouraged about the rate in which the work is happening and believe the driving public can see their dollars at work,” said Greg Ranft TxDOT West Harris Area Engineer.
While construction activities continue on the Beltway 8 northbound direct connector ramp to I-10 eastbound which is scheduled for completion in early December, the contractor will begin work on the next scheduled ramp, Beltway 8 northbound to I-10 westbound, Friday, October 5. More information including recommended detours during this ramp closure will be forthcoming.
For more information on the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program, please visit the Katy Freeway website at www.katyfreeway.org or contact the Katy Freeway Public Information Office at 281-589-5924.
