As construction on segments F-1, F-2 and G­ of the Grand Parkway heads into its second year, local officials are hoping an additional direct connector designed to alleviate traffic east of I-45 is added to the project.

Construction on the Grand Parkway/I-45 interchange features two direct connectors: I-45 southbound to westbound Hwy. 99, and Hwy. 99 eastbound to northbound I-45. The initial plan for the interchange called for eight direct connectors, including ramps taking traffic to and from areas east of I-45.

However, representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation and the Grand Parkway Association said direct connectors east of I-45 are not needed.

“TxDOT performed a Traffic and Review Study on the entire corridor that includes the direct connectors at the I-45 interchange,” TxDOT spokeswoman Deidrea Samuels said. “As a result, the T&R study showed that only two [direct connectors] will be needed within the first 15 years of the project.”

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