Texas Department of Transportation announced a $209 million project to expand the Grand Parkway in the vicinity of Interstate 45. The plan, set to move forward in late 2027, calls for additional travel lanes and new connector roads designed to improve traffic flow on the outer loop.

The expansion will focus on the segment of the Grand Parkway that runs close to I‑45, a major north‑south corridor through Houston. By adding lanes, TxDOT aims to increase the overall capacity of the highway system and reduce congestion during peak travel periods. The new connector roads are intended to provide smoother transitions between the Grand Parkway and surrounding surface streets, facilitating more direct routes for commuters and freight traffic.

The $209 million investment is part of a broader effort by TxDOT to upgrade the Grand Parkway, which serves as a key circumferential route around the city. The outer loop has been identified as a critical infrastructure element for accommodating Houston’s growing population and commercial activity. Enhancements to the parkway are expected to support regional mobility and bolster economic development by improving access to industrial zones and suburban communities.

Construction is projected to begin in the latter part of 2027, with project timelines and detailed engineering plans to be released by the agency in the months leading up to groundbreaking. TxDOT officials indicated that the funding will be sourced from state transportation budgets and that the project will adhere to established safety and environmental standards throughout its execution.