With Houston’s growing population comes greater infrastructure needs, and there is constant roadwork being done on Houston’s highways. Below are four of the biggest construction projects.
• State Highway 99/Grand Parkway Project
Construction on State Highway 99 (the Grand Parkway) has been ongoing for the past two decades. The project is a proposed 180-mile highway loop around the metro area. When the project is complete, it will be the longest beltway in the United States. The project is divided into eleven segments, with two currently under construction. Crews are working on a segment from I-69/US 59 in New Caney through southwestern Liberty County to I-10 in Chambers County near Mont Belvieu. There is also construction on the segment from FM 1405 to SH 146 in Baytown.
• Gulf Freeway Expansion
The Gulf Freeway Expansion is a $238 million construction project to improve and reconstruct I-45 (the Gulf Freeway) from north of FM 517 to south of FM 1764 in Galveston County, Texas. The project will expand the freeway and create additional feeder roads and direct connectors. The IH-45/Holland Road intersection will be flipped so that IH-45 passes over Holland Road. A new intersection will be constructed so that IH-45 passes over Lago Mar Blvd. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2025.
• The West Loop/Southwest Freeway Interchange
The $259 million West Loop/Southwest Freeway Interchange project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety at the I-69/I-610 interchange. This interchange is a major connector of two of Texas’ busiest highways. The project will widen connector ramps to two lanes, add shoulders on the I-610 West Loop main lane bridge over I-69, and add detention ponds. The project is being completed in seven phases and as much as possible, main lane closures will be planned for overnight hours and weekends. Construction began in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2024.
• The North Houston Highway Improvement Project
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project will redesign I-45N between Houston’s downtown and the North Sam Houston Tollway. The project will have three segments:
1. Improving I-45 from Beltway 8 to I-10,
2. Rerouting I-45 through the downtown Houston area along I-10 and US 59/I-69, and
3. Improving portions of I-10 and US 59/I-69.
The project’s goal is to bring the highway up to current standards, alleviate congestion, improve safety, expand transit options, and address flood mitigation.
Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents on Houston Highways
Construction zones pose unique dangers for drivers. In 2021, there were more than 26,000 accidents in construction work zones in Texas. Many accidents in highway construction zones are due to negligence on someone else’s part.
Common causes of construction zone accidents on Houston highways include:
• Improper merging,
• Poor signage or lightening,
• Uneven road surfaces,
• Speeding,
• Unexpected detours,
• Operating construction equipment and heavy machinery in an unsafe manner, and
• Debris or equipment left on the roadway.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, one or more parties could be liable, including other drivers, the construction company, equipment operators, or a government entity.
Do You Need an Attorney If You Were in a Highway Construction Zone Accident?
Highway construction zone accident cases are complicated, especially if a government entity is potentially liable. Working with an experienced attorney is critical to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
A qualified attorney will take the following steps:
• Carefully investigate the cause of the accident;
• Determine if you have a viable legal claim;
• Gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene of the accident;
• Consult with experts, such as an accident reconstruction specialist;
• Negotiate with the insurance company and other parties; and
• If a settlement cannot be reached, argue your case in court.
The damages that you will receive depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, your likelihood of recovery, and income losses. The compensation you may be able to receive includes:
• Property damage,
• Past and future medical bills,
• Pain and suffering,
• Lost wages, and
• Diminished earning capacity.
Your Sugar Land Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were in a car accident in a highway construction zone, you should reach out to a qualified Sugar Land personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is a Sugar Land personal injury lawyer and lifelong resident of Fort Bend County. He has familarity with the area’s legal system and will evaluate your case and provide excellent legal advice. If you proceed with a personal injury lawsuit, Adam Capetillo will provide you the best possible representation.
As a skilled personal injury lawyer, Adam Capetillo can effectively guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.