By David Taylor, Managing Editor
CROSBY — The Texas Department of Transportation has let a roughly $1.8 million contract to rehabilitate a stretch of FM 2100 in Crosby, a project expected to improve ride quality along one of the community’s busiest north-south corridors.
The work covers about 2.8 miles of FM 2100, with the scope of the project running from the San Jacinto River Authority Canal to south of Business U.S. 90. The contract was awarded to Forde Construction Co. Inc., according to information provided by TxDOT.
“The project includes diamond grinding from the San Jacinto River Authority Canal to Ulrich Road, an asphalt overlay from Ulrich Road to south of Business U.S. 90, replacement of pavement markers and repairs to the metal beam guard near the railroad tracks under the bridge,” said Bambi Hall, public information officer (PIO) and media spokesperson for the Houston District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Crews began milling the roadway last week. Grinding is planned for the outside lanes in both directions from South Diamondhead Boulevard to Straight Off The Road Barbecue, a section TxDOT said should see an improvement in ride quality once the work is complete.
“The diamond grinding, particularly on the outside lanes, will provide a better ride ultimately,” Hall said and “It should be done in about three months.”
The timing means drivers may encounter rough pavement, lane shifts or slowdowns while the work is underway. TxDOT did not immediately provide a detailed day-by-day construction sequence, but the agency said the job followed its letting schedule.
Asked why the work began when it did, the representative said, “It was on the letting schedule at this time.”
The timing couldn’t be worse as students have already returned to the high school for summer band camp and school is scheduled to start again in just a few weeks.
The area is also under threat of a potential Tropical Storm Bertha. While forecasts don’t predict landfall in the Houston area, meteorologists do believe the area should receive drenching rains potentially on the weekend.
According to Hall at TxDOT, the project is planned to be completed before the start of school. She also said that the schedule, if impaired by inclement weather, could be shifted to nights and weekends to meet the completion date.
The project is designed as a rehabilitation job rather than a full reconstruction, focusing on the existing pavement surface and related safety features. The milling already visible on portions of FM 2100 is part of the preparation for the surface work to follow.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down through the work zone, watch for crews and allow extra time, particularly during peak travel periods and as school traffic returns to the corridor.
When complete, the project should provide a smoother surface, refreshed pavement markings and repaired roadside safety equipment along the Crosby route.
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