Advance signage on the US 59 freeway northbound approaching the TX 99 interchange.
Signage on the US 59 freeway northbound approaching the TX 99 interchange.
The south end is at a normal diamond interchange. Eventually, a large stack interchange will be located here.
After the US 59 interchange, the northbound lanes veer to the right to make room for the large right of way required for the future interchange with US 59.
After a traffic light, the lanes veer back together to prepare for a bridge.
Approaching the bridge over the Brazos River.
After the bridge, the wide median returns. The median widens at all intersections to allow for future interchanges.
TX 99 at New Territory Blvd. Notice that, to the left of the left-turn lane, there is a u-turn lane so that traffic making a u-turn does not have to go through the traffic light. This is a common feature along Texas highways.
TX 99 northbound. Much of the sides of the route are landscaped courtesy of the surrounding developers.
TX 99 northbound approaching Sandhill Drive.
TX 99 northbound at Sandhill Drive.
There is a railroad bridge at the Alt US 90 traffic light.
At the Alt US 90 traffic light and Southern Pacific railway overpass.
After FM 1464, the speed limit becomes 60 mph. Notice the many signs on the right pointing to various new housing developments in the area.
TX 99 becomes a 4-lane undivided expressway.
A sign warns “Prison Area - Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers.”
Approaching the overpass over Owens Road.
TX 99 crossing over Owens Road.
TX 99 transitions back into a 4-lane divided expressway.
Northbound along TX 99, the Grand Parkway.
Approaching the first 4-way stop sign.
The Grand Parkway at the intersection with Harlem Road.
Grand Parkway northbound.
Even though there have not been any interchanges, the approach to Farmer Road is marked as an “exit.”
Many of the developments along the new highway have elaborate homes, accompanied by elaborate entry signs.
Approaching the second 4-way stop.
The concrete on the left is for the future main lanes, while the current 4-lane highway travels on all of the exit ramps.
Northbound Grand Parkway.
Northbound Grand Parkway.
At the Bellaire Blvd at-grade.
Only 600 yards after the Bellaire Blvd at-grade intersection, a large yellow sign proclaims the end of the freeway.
Looking into the future interchange at FM 1093.
The graded mound for the interchange is very high, since the future main lanes will cross over both the intersecting road and an elevated railroad track.
At the FM 1093 intersection. The elevated structure is a railroad overpass.
North of FM 1093, there are three diamond intersections in succession.
At the Fry Road interchange.
Unlike most Texas freeways, there are no service roads on the side of the Grand Parkway, even on the part in which interchanges are completed. This is probably because the area is filled with master-planned communities, so there is no need for access roads.
This sign is prepared for the opening of more interchanges.
Landscaping is rare along Houston freeways, but the Grand Parkway has some bushes in the middle.
At the Cinco Ranch Blvd interchange.
After the three interchanges, this “freeway ends” sign is legitimate.
The end of the limited access portion of the Grand Parkway.
Construction is underway to extend the freeway north, but TX 99 currently follows the boulevard that will become the service roads for the freeway.
The boulevard enters Harris County as it serves as an access road for many businesses.
Freeway construction on the Grand Parkway.
The interchange with I-10 (known as the Katy Freeway west of Houston) is under construction due to the large-scale widening of I-10.
After crossing I-10, the Grand Parkway once again becomes an expressway.
The construction headquarters for the I-10 widening project is located in the median of the Grand Parkway.
Grand Parkway northbound.
Approaching the current northern terminus of the Grand Parkway.
This southbound picture shows the extensive buildings and driveways installed for the I-10 construction headquarters.
