Commuters along the 99 Tollway, especially those traveling through Cypress and Katy, are voicing frustration over a long-standing issue: extreme darkness at night. Many drivers report feeling uneasy navigating this stretch of road after sunset due to nearly nonexistent lighting.
For over a year, residents have been describing the stretch of road as “pitch black,” with some avoiding travel altogether once the sun goes down. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have now said that a major construction project is to blame for the lack of lighting.
A Roadway in the Dark: What’s Behind the Issue?
As KPRC 2 News reporter Joy Addison discovered, the stretch of the 99 Tollway, near the Telge Road exit, is currently lacking proper lighting due to ongoing construction efforts. The only visible light is from the news crew’s equipment. Without this, the road is nearly impossible to navigate.
Renee Crenshaw, a resident of Northwest Harris County, shared her experience of how the lack of lighting affects daily life. “I only try to come out between 9 a.m. and maybe 4 p.m. because after that, it’s dark,” Crenshaw said. “If you come out after, let’s say, 7 p.m. to 11, it is totally dark. You have to put your brights on, and that’s also a hazard because other drivers might have their brights on too.”
The Cause: Construction Project Delays
TxDOT has confirmed that the lighting issue is tied to a larger road construction project aimed at widening the roads in the area. The construction zone spans from State Highway 10 to FM 1093, including both the main lanes and frontage roads of the 99 Tollway…