Drivers losing ramp to U.S. 281 for months

The southbound ramp at Sonterra Boulevard onto U.S. 281 will be closed until late spring or early summer so crews can work on overhead connector ramps as part of the five-year, $500 million expansion of the highway north of Loop 1604.

The shutdown will allow crews to work safely behind protective barriers while constructing retaining walls, drainage crossings and direct connector structures beside and over the Sonterra entrance ramp, as well as reconstructing and realigning the ramp.

New pillars will be placed where the current ramp aligns to enter the highway’s southbound lanes. The new ramp will shift slightly west to provide sufficient space for them.

Drivers wanting to access 281 from Sonterra will proceed south through the intersections at Loop 1604 and Donella Drive, then take the Donella entrance ramp.

Following the ramp closure, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, a study will take place on the timing of the signals at Loop 1604 and Donella to ensure good traffic flow.

The 281/1604 intersection sees about 100,000 vehicles per day, according to TxDOT, and is one of the 100 most congested in Texas.

The construction will create six primary lanes (three each going north and south) and six access road lanes (also three, north and south). Two of those primary lanes will be for highoccupancy vehicles.

TxDOT said the access roads will include bicycle and pedestrian facilities and that HOV lanes will connect directly to VIA’s new 281 Park & Ride station being built at Stone Oak Parkway.