The $1.3 billion Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge project nears a key milestone with construction over the Houston Ship Channel set to start in May 2026. This phase follows years of funding and design hurdles that halted progress on Harris County’s most expensive infrastructure initiative.
Project Funding and Hurdles
Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) funds the entire $1.3 billion cost through toll revenues and revenue bonds, avoiding federal or taxpayer dollars. Early setbacks stemmed from 21 significant design flaws found in 2019 by COWI North America Inc. in the original plans by FIGG Bridge Group, leading to a full halt. County commissioners approved demolishing and rebuilding sections in December 2021, adding a $291 million cost overrun.
Construction Timeline Updates
Work began in April 2018 but paused for over 20 months until October 2022, after the redesign required nearly three times as much concrete and eight times as much steel rebar. Southbound span construction leads, with traffic reductions from April to September 2024, enabling safe staging. A U.S. Coast Guard notice flags May to November 2026 for overhead work over the channel, though HCTRA notes these dates reflect potential vessel impacts, not a fixed schedule.
Bridge Design and Capacity
The new eight-lane toll bridge features four 12-foot lanes per direction, full shoulders, 514-foot pylons, a 1,320-foot main span, and 175-foot ship clearance. It aims to boost safety, visibility, capacity, and efficiency for the 60,000 daily vehicles, a number expected to nearly triple by 2035. After the southbound opening in 2026, traffic shifts there while the old bridge is demolished for the northbound span.
Current Status and Next Steps
Construction outside the navigable channel continues through May 2026, with mariners advised to proceed cautiously during channel work. HCTRA’s Tracy Jackson states more phases remain, as bridge projects face complex schedule shifts. Full completion targets enhanced traffic flow over this vital Beltway 8 link.
Image Credit – houstonchronicle.com
