News Release: from the Katy Freeway Public Information Office
Advanced Notice to Katy Freeway Subscribers
Monday, Aug 11th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE END OF CONSTRUCTION ON KATY FREEWAY IS NEAR - I-10 Eastbound Mainlanes Scheduled for Completion as Contractors Prepare for August 25th Closure of HOV Lane
The much anticipated completion of the I-10/Katy Freeway eastbound mainlanes is approaching quickly as Texas Department of Transportation contractors bring to a close final paving and striping activities. The I-10 eastbound lanes will be completed and in its final configuration within the next several weeks providing drivers access to the full capacity of the new roadway as part of the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program. These new I-10 eastbound mainlanes will consist of a minimum of four (4) continuous general purpose lanes with as many as eight (8) lanes at connector, entrance and exit ramps to ease traffic flow.
With the opening of the new I-10 eastbound mainlanes, I-10/Katy Freeway HOV operations will close permanently effective Monday, August 25th as contractors begin final paving and striping of the I-10 westbound mainlanes and complete construction activities on the Katy Tollway/Managed Lanes. An inevitable phase of construction, the HOV closure has been timed with the completion of the I-10 eastbound mainlanes offering carpoolers and vanpoolers an additional lane while minimizing traffic disruptions to the greatest extent possible without compromising driver or worker safety. Special accommodations for METRO to maintain bus operations within a closed lane in the active construction area will be provided. For safety and liability reasons, carpools and vanpools will not be permitted to travel within the construction area. In an effort to provide timely re-entry to the new Katy Tollway/Managed Lanes, Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) anticipates phased in operations for carpools and vanpools upon completion of the project in late October 2008.
This is an exciting time as the end of construction on the I-10/Katy Freeway will soon become a reality. The success of this program can be attributed to the patience and flexibility of the driving public combined with our commitment to deliver the roadway improvements to the driving public as rapidly as possible without compromising driver or worker safety. We encourage the continued patience and flexibility of the driving public as we enter these last and very important phases of construction. For more information on the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program, including up-to-date information regarding other lane closures along the I-10 corridor, please visit the Katy Freeway website at www.katyfreeway.org or contact the Katy Freeway Public Information Office at 281-589-5924.
