Hardy Toll Road expansion project to downtown passes after being in the works for years

Following decades of planning, the Hardy Toll Road extension project has received unanimous approval from Harris County commissioners, marking a significant step forward. The approved plan incorporates various neighborhood improvement requests.

Currently, the Hardy Toll Road terminates at the I-610 North Loop. The extension initiative will introduce two toll lanes, spanning 3.6 miles in each direction, establishing a new connector to downtown Houston with exit points at Elysian or I-69.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) facilitated the project’s progression by relocating nearby railroad tracks, creating space for the downtown connector. The project, initiated in 1999, faced community concerns regarding the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. In response, HCTRA conducted extensive community engagement efforts over two years to solicit feedback and address residents’ apprehensions.

The updated plan integrates several neighborhood amenities along the route, including parks, bike trails, community centers, sound walls, and highway entrance/exit ramps. Lorenzo Jones, president of Hardy Community Outreach, expressed satisfaction with these additions, emphasizing the positive impact on the community, particularly for youth programs and recreational activities.

Despite these advancements, concerns persist regarding potential environmental implications. Environmental advocates, like Air Alliance Houston, highlight the possibility of increased air pollution due to the new highway. In response, county commissioners have directed HCTRA to collaborate with agencies such as Metro and Harris County Pollution Control to monitor air quality in the area.

HCTRA anticipates a construction timeline of approximately four years for project completion, which will occur in phases to mitigate disruptions for residents along the 3.6-mile stretch.