Grand Parkway set to open between Cypress, The Woodlands

HARRIS COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- Rejoice, Houston drivers, especially if you live in northwest Harris County.

Huge sections of the Grand Parkway are scheduled to open February 8th, according to TxDOT officials. We're told tolls go in effect one week later on February 15th.

The segments known as F1 and F2 are almost ready for drivers. They would connect US Highway 290 to the North Freeway passing over the Tomball Tollway.

Raquelle Lewis with the Houston District of the Texas Department of Transportation says they hope the new road can help ease traffic congestion.

"It's going to be a direct shot. They can get right on the Grand Parkway," said Lewis. "We're certainly glad to be at a point where we can put traffic on the road now."

The parkway should prove to be a game-changer on the northwest side. Drivers will now be able to move from Cypress to The Woodlands in a more direct fashion. The area is already experiencing massive growth.

At Memorial Hermann Cypress, they're preparing to open a convenient care location next month before a new hospital comes on line next year. CEO Scott Barbe spoke with abc13 about how the new parkway should make quality healthcare more accessible to the area.

"We're going to be close to areas like The Woodlands for example or Tomball that have in the past felt further away," said Barbe. "People want to get their health care closer to home and for emergency purposes, it will make us more accessible."

The entire 38 miles stretch between US Highway 290 and the Eastex Freeway is part of a $1.6 billion bond initiative. The area between the North Freeway east to US 59 remains under construction.