$81 Million U.S. 290 Greenhouse–Skinner Road Underpass Project Moves Forward in Cypress
A major transportation project aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility in Cypress is moving closer to construction, as design work wraps up for the $81.2 million U.S. 290 Greenhouse–Skinner Road underpass.
The project is located at the intersection of Greenhouse Road and Skinner Road in Cypress, Texas, within Harris County. Once completed, the new infrastructure will create a six-lane underpass connecting Greenhouse Road directly to Skinner Road and U.S. 290, eliminating a long-standing barrier between north and south Cypress communities.
The scope of work includes roadway and drainage improvements, construction of the underpass beneath both U.S. 290 and the Union Pacific Railroad corridor, and the addition of hike-and-bike lanes on both sides, expanding options for pedestrians and cyclists while improving overall safety.
Planning, Funding, and Timeline
Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 500 has been leading the design and coordination process, working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Union Pacific Railroad to address engineering requirements and utility relocations. According to the district, plans and utility coordination are nearing completion, allowing the project to advance toward bidding and construction.
According to official permits, construction activity is expected to begin in early April 2026. TxDOT will oversee the bidding and construction process once final agreements related to the railroad right-of-way are completed. The project’s anticipated completion date is December 29, 2028.
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Funding for the underpass reflects a regional partnership. Federal funding will cover approximately 80 percent of construction costs, with the remaining 20 percent provided through local contributions from Harris County Precinct 3, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9, which serves Cy-Fair Fire Department. The project involves public funds and public land and is classified as a federally funded roadway project.
Drainage Improvements and Community Impact
In addition to improving traffic flow, the project includes significant drainage enhancements, including a new pump station designed to better manage stormwater in an area that frequently experiences heavy rainfall. These improvements are intended to reduce flooding risks while supporting long-term infrastructure resilience.
Local stakeholders point to the underpass as a critical step in addressing daily traffic challenges along the U.S. 290 corridor, particularly as Cypress continues to grow. By creating a continuous north-south connection, the project is expected to reduce congestion, improve emergency response access, and provide more predictable travel for residents commuting to schools, workplaces, and nearby commercial areas.
Caldwell Companies, developer of the Towne Lake community near the project site, has described the underpass as a long-anticipated connection that will improve access across the area and support continued development near the north end of Towne Lake. While not an implementing agency, the developer has highlighted the project’s role in improving regional connectivity for residents and businesses.
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Looking Ahead
As Cypress residents await the start of construction, local agencies say coordination efforts remain focused on moving the project forward as efficiently as possible while minimizing disruption. For many who regularly travel Greenhouse Road, Skinner Road, or U.S. 290, the underpass represents years of planning aimed at delivering a lasting solution to everyday traffic challenges.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for future updates on construction timelines, traffic impacts, and other infrastructure projects shaping the future of Cypress.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
