Officials are breaking ground today on the new State Highway 288 Toll Lanes. Along with accommodating thousands of commuters, the lanes will also provide additional capacity for hurricane evacuations.
The work will cost $815 million. TxDOT selected Blueridge Transportation Group to develop the project. Almeda-Genoa Constructors will be the lead contractor.
The 288 toll project will run just over 10 miles, stretching from U.S. 59 to the Harris County/Brazoria County line at Clear Creek. Two tolled lanes in each direction will be built in the median of the existing roadway. The project also includes direct connector ramps at Beltway 8, the 610 Loop, and the Texas Medical Center. Once the project is complete, drivers can still use the general-purpose lanes for free.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer of 2019.