A portion of the northbound frontage road of US 59 east of Newcastle Drive will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning on or about February 4, 2019, as the Harris County Flood Control District begins construction to rebuild and partially enclose a poorly functioning drainage ditch. Signs were posted January 21, warning of the upcoming closure of the frontage road on either side of the ditch, formally identified as W129-00-00.
PROJECT EAST OF NEWCASTLE DRIVE WILL REBUILD DRAINAGE DITCH TO REDUCE FLOODING RISKS
A portion of the northbound frontage road of US 59 east of Newcastle Drive will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning on or about February 4, 2019, as the Harris County Flood Control District begins construction to rebuild and partially enclose a poorly functioning drainage ditch. Signs were posted January 21, warning of the upcoming closure of the frontage road on either side of the ditch, formally identified as W129-00-00.
The closure is part of the Flood Control District’s $14.4 million W129-00-00 Channel Enclosure Project, which will reduce flooding risks in the area by rebuilding and partially enclosing the ditch. The entire project spans from Richmond Avenue to Westpark Drive on the drainage ditch, which runs adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just inside West Loop 610. Closing the US 59 northbound frontage road on either side of the W129-00-00 ditch will allow for the removal of a bridge over the drainage ditch at that location, and replacement with dual 12’x10’ reinforced concrete boxes.
Detours through the area will be via Newcastle Street, Westpark Drive and Weslayan Street, as shown.
The closure is part of the final phase of a three-phase capital project to upgrade the W129-00-00 ditch. The first phase improved the channel from Buffalo Bayou to San Felipe Street. The second phase was from San Felipe Street to Richmond Avenue. When all three phases are complete, the structural integrity of the drainage infrastructure will be greatly improved, reducing the risk of flooding to surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas.
The exact duration of the closure is dependent on the weather. Once work on the northbound frontage road has been completed, the northbound frontage lanes will be reopened and the southbound frontage road will be closed on either side of W129-00-00 for approximately 3 weeks.
Motorists are encouraged to be alert, to pay attention to all posted street and lane closures, and to take an alternate route.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.