Section 112 was the complicated one: Westpark passed under US 59 while high flyovers and connector ramps threaded into the freeway above. These photographs record the interchange just before the tollway opened.
(High resolution 701k) We are approaching US 59 from the west. To the left are the tollway mainlanes. The ramp on the right is the exit to northbound US 59. This ramp towes above everything and is a real oddity, even for Houston. But the elevation and curve were required to make the proper approach for a merge into the US 59 mainlanes. In the far distance on the left side of the photo you can a ramp, this the entrance ramp from southbound US 59
(High resolution 652k) A look east from the flyover ramp; that is US 59 below. The gentleman in the photo is my friend Todd Schuh; he and his company TakenaBreak.com are providing the web hosting for TexasFreeway.com.
(High resolution 742k) This is another look from the same location as photo "C". I have turned slightly to the northeast to give a better view of the merge with US 59.
(High resolution 711k) Looking northeast at the westbound entrance from southbound US 59. Even with concrete partitions I was nervous when taking this photo.
(High resolution 775k) At this location the tollway is below grade under US 59. The project in this location was especially challenging. A line of columns (which were not deep enough) had to lengthened and be supported during ground removal while not disrupting the flow of traffic on the freeway above.
(High resolution 749k) An eastbound driver's view approaching US 59. The first level up is the southbound US 59 frontage road. The second level is the US 59 mainlanes.
(High resolution 581k) Standing under the northbound side of US 59 in the eastbound tollway lanes looking west. The first level up is the southbound US 59 frontage road. The second level is the US 59 mainlanes.
(High resolution 777k) Here is a look a little further back from under the northbound US 59 frontage road. The horizontal bracing and the lower section of the columns are new. The upper section of the columns were existing.
(High resolution 654k) Standing on the divider wall for a look at the westbound lane. Under US 59 there are two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane.
(High resolution 771k) Still standing on the divider wall looking east. The bridge is for Rampart Drive. The ramp at the upper right of the photo is the connector from northbound US 59 to eastbound tollway.
(High resolution 723k) Standing under the Rampart Drive overpass (to keep out of the rain) for a westbound driver's view. Again the ramp on the left side is connector from northbound US 59 to eastbound tollway. The first level of overpasses is the northbound US 59 frontage road. The second level is the US 59 mainlanes. The third level is the flyover ramp from the eastbound tollway to the northbound US 59 mainlanes.
(High resolution 595k) Here is a good look at an "Oh, S%^&!!". This column was supposed to be several feet to the south. This would have put it behind the wall. Now a new facing needs to be put on the column to dress it up.
(High resolution 795k) Looking down from the flyover ramp you can see Westpark Drive to the left, the northbound US 59 frontage road, and the tollway lanes.
(High resolution 788k) Another look from the flyover ramp lets you see the Rampart Drive bridge and the merging of the traffic from the northbound US 59 to the eastbound tollway.
(High resolution 706k) Here is a look west at the interchange. The ramp on the right comes from northbound US 59. The bridge in the foreground is Rampart Drive. Then comes the northbound US 59 frontage road, the US 59 mainlanes, and flyover from eastbound tollway to northbound US 59.
Westpark Tollway Pre-Grand Opening Tour Sections 113 through 116
Editorial note: The archived page heading says “Sections 113 through 116,” but the full tour index labels this page “Section 112” and “US 59 Interchange.” Its map and all photograph paths also use the 112 directory. The mistaken historical heading is retained below.
Westpark Tollway Pre-Grand Opening Tour Sections 113 through 116
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