US 290 / Northwest Freeway Access Ramps

290 Diamond Lanes - In May 2010, the METRO Board of Directors authorized a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that provides for the extension of HOV lanes along the US 290 Corridor in the amount of $687,692. 

In general, the scope of work includes: restriping, signage, barrier realignment and minimal pavement expansion to convert an existing inside shoulder to a diamond lane over a distance of approximately six miles.

When complete, the lanes will provide for much-improved and reliable service from the Cypress Park & Ride, cutting as much as 20 minutes off of travel time, along this six-mile section of the Corridor. The project links the Cypress Park & Ride to the existing barrier-separated HOV lane entrance near FM 1960, resulting in the following key transit enhancements:

• Reduced running time
• More reliable service
• Reduced operating cost

TxDOT will take the lead to implement the construction of the project. Construction began in March 2011 and lane should be open by August 2011.

1. Access is available from IH-10 outbound, left exit,
east of 610 through Northwest Transit Center.

2. Access is available from Old Katy Rd. east of N. Post
Oak through Northwest Transit Center.

3. Located on US-290 inbound frontage
road just east of Dacoma through Dacoma ramp.

4. Located on Pinemont Rd. east of Bingle through
Pinemont Park & Ride.

5. Access available both from US-290 inbound
frontage road east of Beltway 8 and through
Hempstead Hwy. west of W. Little York.

6. Access available both from Castlebridge Dr. east
of West Rd. and US-290 outbound frontage road,
west of Jones Rd. through Northwest Station Park & Ride.

7. Access from US-290 inbound main lanes east of
F.M. 1960 / Hwy. 6 via slip ramp.