Monday crews with Hunter Industries will close the westbound US Hwy 90 entrance ramp from I-410 to build the new Hunt Lane exit ramp. This closure is permanent. Traffic from I-410 will enter US 90 using a new ramp after Hunt Lane. If you're not sure which ramp is being closed, here's a look:
With the ramp closed crews will also be able to install some new drain structures to improve the drainage along the frontage road. This is the first of a series of major traffic changes coming up over the next month along US 90 between Loop 1604 and I-410 on the far west side. Here's a look at the other items coming up:
Week of July 2
We will restripe the new eastbound exit to I-410 to its final configuration; this means striping the eastbound frontage road to a single lane prior to the new exit ramp to I-410 to eliminate any conflict with exiting traffic. This will be done overnight after July 4th.
Week of July 9
Hunter will put traffic on the eastbound main lanes into the final configuration using overnight closures. This includes restriping the lanes to three lanes and placing the large overhead highway signs called for with this project. The new exit ramp to I-410 will be opened, meaning morning commuters may find some changes to the way they drive come July 10.
Once traffic is in its final configuration crews will still need to come back and lay a final surface of asphalt to the road. More of that coming.
Week of July 16
Essentially doing the same thing as the week prior, Hunter will put the westbound lanes into their final configuration. Just like on the eastbound side, we'll still need to lay our final surface of asphalt but you should be driving the road as intended through the final design.
Week of July 23
Using overnight closures crews will lay the final surface of asphalt and permanent pavement markings.
Weekend of July 28-31
Using closures at the intersection of I-410 and US 90, crews will tie in drain structures and the final asphalt with what's existing at the intersection.
If everything goes as planned the project should be finished by the end of August and those driving the US 90 corridor will be freed from the constant companionship of construction equipment. Well, at least along the stretch of US 90 itself. We do still have work ongoing at the intersection of Loop 1604 and at the intersection of I-410 (we're building direct connectors at both locations).
All of this is heavily weather-dependent, of course, and assumes the normal beautiful and sunny weather we enjoy during this time of year. If we do get hit by heavy rains at all, this timeline will push back accordingly.