The Chronicle points out today that TxDOT is giving Galleria-area shoppers a Christmas present, of sorts:
Just in time for the annual Christmas shopping rush, TxDOT will close access to one of Houston’s busiest malls to rebuild the West Loop.
The highway agency says it simply wants to stay on schedule with its construction plan. But Galleria-area retailers say the timing will do little for their Christmas cheer.
Starting at 9 tonight, the northbound lanes of the West Loop, between the Southwest Freeway and Woodway, will be closed for construction until 8 p.m. Sunday.
Ramps from the Southwest Freeway to the West Loop also will be closed.
Southbound lanes of the West Loop will remain open. Motorists also will have free access to the inbound Westpark Tollway, between the Southwest Freeway and Post Oak, as well as a new exit to Westheimer.
TxDOT spokesman Norm Wigington said the construction must go on, despite an expected onslaught of traffic on a busy shopping weekend.
That’s the way to spread good cheer.
