Ship channel bridge reopened in east Harris County after months of construction

HOUSTON – It’s no secret how frustrating an experience driving in Houston is, but those coming in from east Harris County should expect to have an easier commute thanks to a major milestone in an ongoing expansion project.

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According to the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) after nearly six months of work, the southbound lanes in the Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge will be reopening.

This comes as part of a major milestone to expand the bridge from two to four lanes in each direction.

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HCTRA says construction crews have been setting up steel and concrete columns to support the new bridge since April.

“With the old and new structures situated closely together, safety was a priority, requiring a temporary shift to one southbound lane during construction,” officials said in a press release. “The next phase of construction is moving forward with work on the concrete support towers.”