TxDOT was able to speed up some work in the area during the early days of the pandemic shutdown, and now one of the tallest ramps in the project is almost complete.
[Ads /]
At 80 feet high, the new I-610 southbound ramp to US-59 northbound is the tallest flyover in this interchange remodel project, and one of the tallest of any of the ramps in the Houston area. It's over a quarter of a football field tall.
TxDOT has been working on building the flyover for months, and it is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
RELATED: Houston, is that you? City could look much different after I-45 moves
What would the I-45 Pierce Elevated look like as a skypark?
But come 2021, expect to see more ramp construction and more gridlock. TxDOT will shut down a couple of old, heavily traveled ramps in the interchange for more than six months at a time.
The new ramps will be built in the same footprint as the old ramps.
[Ads /]
The entire project is still on track to finish early-to-mid 2024. It is currently 45% complete, according to TxDOT.
TxDOT said they would again consider extending overnight work hours or doubling up on work within the same project if there's a big dip in traffic due to another COVID-19 shutdown.
Follow Katherine Whaley on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SEE ALSO: New Highway 288 Southmore Bridge has finally reopened
10.3 miles of new SH-288 toll lanes opening this month