Harris County Direct Connectors SH99/SH249 Improve Regional Mobility

Challenge: Harris County sought to improve regional mobility by creating a more efficient link between the Grand Parkway (SH 99) and the Tomball Tollway (SH 249). HR Green is delivering construction engineering and inspection services for the $93 million project. The project includes four flyovers, each spanning 2,000 to 5,000 feet with 18 to 45 spans, totaling over 550,000 square feet of deck surface. The bridges are supported by 57- to 74-foot concrete columns anchored in drilled shafts up to 95 feet deep and 8 feet in diameter.

The project also features 33,454 linear feet of prestressed concrete U-beams, 56,464 linear feet of curved post-tensioned U-beams, 70,000 square feet of MSE retaining walls, four signalized intersections, roadway lighting, ITS elements (CCTV, message signs, vehicle detectors, fiber optics), and toll plaza upgrades.

Utilities + Communications

The Direct Connectors SH99/SH249 project faced multiple challenges, including a severe storm that damaged a transformer, causing a power outage at a traffic signal and street lights. The team activated a communication plan with CenterPoint Energy, HCTRA, and the electrical sub-contractor, Third Coast, in response to a transformer outage. While a generator was on standby, CenterPoint was able to locate and install a replacement transformer within 6.5 hours, rendering the generator unnecessary. The structured communication plan allowed for swift coordination and response to unexpected issues, minimizing disruptions throughout the project.

Additionally, the contract General Notes identified 14 major potential utility conflicts. After reviewing the footing layouts, 3 locations were removed, 1 was added, and 2 more were eliminated after potholing. The remaining conflicts were documented and provided to utility companies with suggested relocations. Pre-construction and constructability reviews helped address these conflicts, keeping the project on schedule.

Materials

To optimize costs, the team reviewed and refined the wiring relocation plan, reducing structural impact and achieving cost savings. Material needs were also anticipated months in advance, allowing the team to stockpile materials onsite and make prepayments to guarantee availability for scheduled installations. Closeout processes were managed efficiently and completed within a 12-week timeframe.

Traffic Management

Essential closures and detours for beam setting, post-tensioning, and bridge deck pouring also led to significant traffic congestion along SH 249 frontage roads, even during off-peak hours. Further complicating the project were 14 major utility conflicts noted in the contract that had not been resolved during the design phase.

To address traffic congestion caused by necessary road closures, the team worked closely with HCTRA and TxDOT to identify the underlying issues. Additional officers were stationed at intersections along detour routes to adjust signal timing and enhance traffic flow.

Throughout the Direct Connectors SH99/SH249 project, proactive strategies preserved project quality and reduced repair needs. Early procurement planning and an efficient closeout process kept the project on schedule. Enhanced traffic management minimized delays and public impact. Early identification and resolution of utility conflicts prevented construction delays and streamlined the process.