HOUSTON -- Many of us look at US-59 the Eastex Freeway as an easy commute and smooth roadway, especially compared to other Houston highways that need quite a bit of work, like US-290 and I-45.
This freeway that was built in the 90s is now experiencing wear and tear, especially on the overpasses. Danny Perez, Public Information Officer with Tx-DOT says that's exactly what they're repairing between the 610 North Loop and Beltway 8 over the next month.
In order to extend the life of the roadway, overpasses need more TLC than ground-level roadway. Over the next few weeks, closures will take place at Aldine Bender, Aldine Mail Route, Little York, Laura Koppe, Parker, Jensen and Saunders.
The process begins with milling, Perez explains. "So, when they mill the surface, that's that white part you see on the roadway at this time. That's part of the process. That's one of the first steps. Once they do that, they'll place the sealant, and then the overlay."
It's a project that costs $1.8 million, but Perez says it's worth the investment.
"This type of repair, this type of work extends the life is a better fix and we won't worry about this for the next five to ten years," said Perez.
The Eastex Freeway construction will take place on nights and weekends, but don't expect full closures. They will keep at least a couple of lanes open on the freeway during this road work. The plan is to finish construction by late October.
Here is a list of the upcoming closures from TxDOT:
US 59 North Bound Mainlanes between Tidwell and Little York: 3 Alternate Lanes and the Tidwell Entrance Ramp Closed between 9:00 PM Wednesday 9.30.15 and 5:00 AM on Thursday, 10.01.15. (At least two lanes will remain open at all times.)Detour for the entrance ramp is to follow the frontage road to the next entrance ramp. US 59 North Bound Mainlanes between Tidwell and Little York: 3 Alternate Lanes and the Tidwell Entrance Ramp Closed between 9:00 PM Thursday 10.01.15 and 5:00 AM on Friday, 10.02.15. (At least two lanes will remain open at all times.)Detour for the entrance ramp is to follow the frontage road to the next entrance ramp. US 59 Southbound Mainlanes between Mount Houston Rd. and Tidwell: 3 Alternate Lanes and the entrance and exit ramps Closed between 9:00 PM on Friday, 10.02.15 and 10:00 AM on Saturday, 10.03.15, between 9:00 PM on Saturday, 10.03.15 and 10:00 AM on Sunday, 10.04.15 and again between 8:00 PM on Sunday, 10.04.15 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 10.05.15. (At least two lanes will remain open at all times.)Detour for the entrance and exit ramps is to follow the mainlanes to the next exit ramp or follow the frontage road to the next entrance ramp. US 59 Southbound Mainlanes between Greens Rd. and Aldine Bender: 3 Alternate Lanes and the entrance and exit ramps Closed between 12:01 AM (Midnight) and 11:59 AM (Noon) on Saturday, 10.03.15. (At least two lanes will remain open at all times.)Detour for the entrance and exit ramps is to follow the mainlanes to the next exit ramp or follow the frontage road to the next entrance ramp. BW 8 North Westbound Direct Connector to US 59 Southbound: Total Closure between 12:01 AM (Midnight) and 11:59 AM (Noon) on Saturday, 10.03.15.Detour: BW 8 North Westbound Direct Connector to US 59 Northbound; Exit and U-turn at Rankin Rd.; Follow the US 59 Southbound Frontage Rd. to the US 59 Southbound Entrance Ramp from Rankin Rd. ) BW 8 North Eastbound Direct Connector to US 59 Southbound: Total Closure between 12:01 AM (Midnight) and 11:59 AM (Noon) on Saturday, 10.03.15.Detour: BW North Eastbound Direct Connector to US 59 Northbound; Exit and U-turn at Rankin Rd.; Follow the US 59 Southbound Frontage Rd. to the US 59 Southbound Entrance Ramp from Rankin Rd. US 59 North Bound Main Lanes between Tidwell and Little York : 3 Alternate Lanes and the Tidwell Entrance Ramp Closed between 11:59 AM (Noon) on Saturday, 10.04.15 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 10.05.15. (At least two lanes will remain open at all times.)Detour for the entrance ramp is to follow the frontage road to the next entrance ramp. 
