Braun Congestion Eases as Super Street Moves On

It's been a couple weeks since TxDOT finished improving the Braun & 1604 intersection.  Among the changes are new and lengthened turn lanes in both directions on 1604 and additional lanes on Braun.

The final touch on Braun, pictured above, does seem to make a substantial difference for westbound commuters at the frustrating choke point. 

As for the rest of West Loop 1604, the Super Street option passed an environmental impact hurdle last week.  Work should begin at the New Guilbeau and Shaenfield intersections at 1604 beginning next year with completion scheduled summer 2011.

Alas, there are no overpasses in the immediate future.  But using the Super Street design, TxDOT hopes to minimize red light wait times on the Loop by eliminating left turns onto 1604 from feeder streets. 

This northwest stretch of 1604 was recently ranked most congested in the county.