Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project Breaks Ground, Bringing Long-Awaited Connectivity to Northwest Harris County
For many drivers in northwest Harris County, getting across the Union Pacific railroad tracks near US 290 has long meant delays, detours, and uncertainty — especially during emergencies. Now, after more than two decades of planning, funding, design work, and coordination, construction is set to begin on a project local leaders say could reshape mobility in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.
Harris County leaders, transportation agencies, and regional partners recently gathered to break ground on the Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity between Greenhouse Road, US 290, Skinner Road, and nearby communities including Towne Lake.
The approximately $88.5 million project will create a new roadway underpass beneath the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and US 290 corridor, helping motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency responders move more safely and efficiently through the area.
For residents across Cypress and northwest Harris County, the project represents more than just another road expansion. It addresses one of the area’s longstanding transportation bottlenecks while preparing the region for continued growth.
“This project can save lives by helping first responders avoid train delays,” said Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, P.E. “It truly is a transformational project that will bring more connectivity to this area for not only motorists, but also pedestrians and bicyclists.”
A Project Decades in the Making
According to Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 500, which serves Towne Lake, discussions surrounding the Greenhouse Road extension began more than 20 years ago as development accelerated throughout northwest Harris County.
The project includes:
- A new underpass beneath the Union Pacific Railroad tracks
- Expanded six-lane sections of Greenhouse Road
- Connections to US 290 frontage roads and Skinner Road
- A dedicated 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail
- Pedestrian crossings
- A stormwater pump station designed to reduce flooding risks
- Replacement of a portion of the existing US 290 bridge over Skinner Road
Officials said the existing railroad configuration and surrounding infrastructure left few viable options besides constructing an underpass.
Over the years, Harris County MUD 500 worked alongside developer Caldwell Companies, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Union Pacific Railroad, Harris County, and numerous utility providers to move the project forward.
“The Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project has been decades in the planning, funding, permitting and design,” said Jeff P. Collins, a professional engineer serving on the Harris County MUD 500 Board. “MUD 500 thanks all our project partners and now looks forward to seeing the project become a reality with the Texas Department of Transportation overseeing work by contractor Harper Brothers Construction.”
Why the Project Matters for Cypress-Area Residents
As northwest Harris County continues to grow, traffic congestion near major corridors like US 290 has become an increasing concern for residents, commuters, and first responders alike.
One of the most significant benefits of the project is expected to be improved emergency access. Train delays at the existing railroad crossing can create major challenges for fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement attempting to move between communities north and south of the tracks.
Project leaders say the underpass will help create more reliable emergency routes, particularly as development continues around Towne Lake, Cypress, and surrounding areas.
Plans for a future Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 fire station near Greenhouse Road and Mound Road are also expected to further improve emergency response times once the corridor is completed.
In addition to improving vehicle traffic, the project also incorporates pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure — something increasingly important as more families seek walkable connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas.
“This project represents the culmination of years of vision and collaboration,” said Peter Barnhart, President of Caldwell Companies. “By improving connectivity across US 290 to Skinner Road, the Greenhouse Road underpass will not only benefit local residents and commuters but also unlock tremendous commercial potential at one of the most sought-after intersections in NW Houston.”
A rendering depicting the concept for the Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project.Construction Timeline and What Residents Can Expect
Construction is expected to begin this summer and continue through late 2029 or early 2030.
Because the project involves active railroad lines, crews will need to coordinate closely with Union Pacific Railroad throughout construction. Portions of the rail lines may be temporarily rerouted during certain phases so work can safely continue beneath the tracks.
TxDOT awarded the construction contract to Harper Brothers Construction earlier this year following a public bidding process.
Officials acknowledged that nearby residents and commuters will likely experience temporary inconveniences during construction but emphasized that the long-term transportation benefits are expected to outweigh those short-term disruptions.
Community leaders are encouraging residents to remain patient as the project progresses over the coming years.
Regional Partnerships Helped Fund the Project
Funding for the Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project came through a combination of federal, county, and local partnerships.
Harris County MUD 500 worked with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to secure more than $60 million in federal funding for construction costs. Additional support came from Harris County Precinct 3, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Emergency Services District No. 9.
MUD 500 funded all design and utility relocation costs associated with the project, contributing nearly $19.5 million overall.
Officials said the collaboration between agencies and local entities helped make the large-scale infrastructure investment financially feasible while reducing costs to residents.
What Happens Next
With design work and utility relocations now complete, the project is officially entering its construction phase under TxDOT oversight.
As work progresses, residents can expect future updates regarding construction schedules, traffic impacts, and roadway changes from TxDOT’s Public Information Office.
For many longtime residents in the Cypress and Towne Lake area, the groundbreaking marks the beginning of a project they have heard discussed for years — one that could significantly change how people move through northwest Harris County for generations to come.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates as construction progresses on the Greenhouse Road–US 290 Underpass Project.
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.
