Eagle Springs location now even more convenient with Sam Houston Tollway opening

Already very convenient, the location of Eagle Springs is now even better, with the opening of the new Sam Houston Tollway Northeast from U.S. 59 North to just past U.S. 90.

With three lanes now open in each direction, commuters can now drive the entire 13-mile stretch of the tollway between U.S. 59 North and U.S. 90 without making a single stop for traffic lights. Previously, motorists encountered 10 stoplights each way.

Another major timesaver is the completion of the four-way interchange at U.S. 59 North and the tollway, allowing motorists to travel in any direction without having to exit and stop at traffic lights. Adding to the convenience, this portion of the tollway is an EZ Tag-only roadway, also eliminating the need to stop and pay tolls (or wait behind those paying cash).

In typical Houston can-do fashion, the Sam Houston Tollway Northeast was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, according to the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The 13-mile project was completed for about $400 million, well below the $550 million estimate, and was opened two months ahead of schedule.

The northeast section marks the completion of the 88-mile Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8 ring, which was first put on the drawing board in 1952.

An extensive reforestation plan is also in the works along the tollway corridor, which will include planting nearly 60,000 trees and shrubs, installing irrigation, and seeding wildflowers.

"Eagle Springs residents enjoy access to a number of convenient routes to Downtown Houston, Bush Intercontinental Airport and other destinations, and the opening of the Sam Houston Tollway Northeast provides yet another alternative," said Kayla Webb, marketing director for Newland Communities, developer of the wooded 1,360-acre community.

Eagle Springs is also benefitting from the recent widening of Will Clayton Parkway, which connects the community to U.S. 59 North.

Scheduled for completion this spring, the expansion of Will Clayton Parkway from U.S. 59 North to Wilson Rd. should shave 10-15 minutes off the time it takes to drive this segment during peak traffic, said Humble City Manager Darrell Boeske.

When completed, the segment will have five lanes, including two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. The first segment of the expansion, from U.S. 59 to South Houston Ave., was started in summer 2011 and completed in the fall. The second segment, from South Houston to Wilson, is now under construction and planned for completion in early 2011.

The project also includes a railroad overpass, which will help speed the flow of westbound traffic.

With a master plan that devotes 150 acres to recreation and open space, Eagle Springs offers new homes priced from the $140,000s to $400,000s. Homebuilders include Ashton Woods, Beazer, Chesmar, David Weekley, D.R. Horton, Highland, Lennar, M/I Homes, Ryland and Village Builders. For more information, visit www.eaglespringstx.com.