Tom Warne Report, 10 February 2012
AUSTIN – The greater Houston area is one step closer to reduced traffic congestion for more than 2.5 million people as the Texas Department of Transportation accelerates plans for completing the next phase of State Highway 99 (the Grand Parkway).
TxDOT announced it is moving forward with a design-build project to develop approximately 37 miles of new toll road for segments of the Grand Parkway in Harris and Montgomery Counties. This part of the Grand Parkway project will create a major link in the regional transportation system connecting US 59 North to US 59 South.
TxDOT received authority from the 82nd Texas Legislature under Senate Bill 1420 to develop 11 specific projects, including the Grand Parkway, through comprehensive development agreements. Although these partnerships allow the department to contract with the private sector for the design, construction and possibly financing, operation and maintenance of a project, the state retains ownership of the project at all times. TxDOT expects to award a contract for this phase of the Grand Parkway by the end of the year and break ground in early 2013.