On Sunday morning, very early...just as the sun was rising, I left for Sunset Lakes Park in Portland Texas. Reasoning behind such an early beginning, I had to use the Expressway to reach the park. And this is where the new expansion bridge is being built....where the Expressway and Interstate 37 and Highway 181 intersect. I have been avoiding that area for a couple of months. I knew it would be a messy situation and no doubt narrowed sections of highway because of all the building and construction going on. To my surprise, since it's been such a while since I've been there...I was in awe, a bit anxious, and quite confounded at the sight! And I was sure glad it was Sunday, early enough for very little to no traffic congestion. I know for sure I'm glad I'm retired and not having to drive this each day to get to work during rush hour. There wouldn't be enough tequila in stock at home for me to get through this mess each and every day...twice!What used to be used to enter the I 37 corridor and cut off to highway 181 from Crosstown Expressway, it was a simple maneuver before this new bridge. Just one exit ramp. Now? Oh my goodness!! The exit ramp is now UNDER an overpass. Kinda awe inspiring yet tricky to actually find if you're not familiar with the city. Then, there are a few unfinished sections of highway above my head as I exit! Scary? Kinda! After getting through the construction, I'm now on my way to cross the still existing, still being used, Harbor Bridge. Once crossing THAT, there is more construction on the other side of the ship channel/Port of Corpus Christi. And narrowing lanes and curves. I slowed down to a snail's pace through it all. Finally reaching the causeway that crosses the North Bay and River outlet. Home free! Walking the trail at the park, I enjoyed the ambiance of what nature and beautiful weather laid in store for me, but Hmmmmm, now I had to go back the way I came. Through it all, AGAIN!!
Not bad here, coming OUT of the construction zone
I still sit here at the computer typing this up, seeing the conglomeration of constructions, pylons, stanchions, at one point what seemed like I'd drive right into an unfinished highway section above my head...head on, and marvel a bit...breathlessly. To see this all come together in a matter of a couple more years will be an engineering feat.
Views from walking the trail...
...and to continue showcasing my Trolls...
↓ My 26th Troll Share ↓
Holiday Themed Masked Trick r Treater  circa: 80s |
Good idea going early. I wouldn't be able to handle driving through that. Roundabouts are bad enough. They make me nervous
ReplyDeleteIt's more the amount of traffic that makes me anxious.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI do not like driving through most big cities, the highways and interchanges make me nervous too.
Cute troll. Take care, have a great day!
...and most drive too fast!
Deleteyou did get a beautiful view while navigating this. i would not want to drive it even deserted and certainly not during rush hour. I retired at 62 instead of 65 because my 17 mile drive to work, took 45 minutes to an hour of this type of traffic. we have a stunning new mall that is 17 miles away, i have never seen it because they created a round about on one road and somekind of whirly swirly round about on the interstate that is between me and the mall
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, I probably will continue to avoid it!!
DeleteWow...I am so impressed (from your photos) by the design and construction of the highway. I bet it's going to look amazing when it's completed. Being a city lover, I really like that final photo of the city skyline.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I love that 1970 Simon & Garfunkel song!
Have a great day, Anni!
Me too. I have been known to sing that...just out of the blue sometimes. I like seeing the skyline from the Bay.
DeleteVery impressive photos but no thanks to the traffic.
ReplyDeleteMe either...it's like the flood gates open around 7 am, and bumper to bumper on the freeways (especially since covid).
DeleteStaying Adventurous And Navigating Through Construction Zones - Sounds Like A Day Trip Around Colorado - As You Know, Two Seasons Here, Winter And Construction - Excellent Photos Here Today - Be Well
ReplyDeleteCheers
Love the two season reference.
DeleteI can imagine how daunting that drive would be to a stranger to your area. So glad you did it on a Sunday morning and it was a breeze.
ReplyDeleteNo traffic ... Good thing.
DeleteNo WAY! Not for me. BUT--your photos are really good ones and I do like last one of the cityscape! A lot.
ReplyDeleteOnce it's completed it will be better.
DeleteI don't think I'd drive in something like that anymore. I don't even like going on the highway unless absolutely necessary. You're brave Anni!
ReplyDeleteI stopped going into Houston years ago with millions living there. I understand!
DeleteGrateful for those engineers that can figure out such complicated systems and such.
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid the freeway if I can. Hate all the on and off ramps and impatient people I have to deal with. That being said, You did great and gave us some spectacular photos and you got some time away to recharge..Always fun coming here to see what's going on.
Sue
Me too...they're mathematical geniuses.
DeleteI would have been terrified! That I would end up going the wrong way, or drive off of something! I don't even like to drive the interstates, and will go out of my way not to. You must be a very good driver, and are brave as well.
ReplyDeleteI coulda gone on a long round about detour, but didn't. Shoulda!!
DeleteYou are amazing and totally dedicated! The highway will be magnificent once it's all complete. Hopefully in your lifetime! Louis Dean and I talk about how Interstate 35 has been under construction for the last 50 years! Ir so it seems!
ReplyDeleteHighway construction is a never ending nuisance. The bridge will be pretty!
DeleteDefinitely a scenario that I would want to avoid with so much traffic and pylons to swerve around. And the pandemic traffic certainly has gotten worse, but people fail to slow down now that people are returning to work. Driving 85-90 MPH is the new normal. Excellent series of photos, especially that skyline on the water!
ReplyDeleteI know. It looks like covid sucked common sense out of most!!
DeleteI'm toooo old to even _read_ this post!!!!!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd I am not kidding!
And you had to get home again......
Eeeeeek...
Eeeeeeek...
Eeeeeeeeeeeek...
I had the road pretty much to myself going. Coming back was a whole 'nother scenario.
DeleteThat whole trip would be my idea of a nightmare. I'm glad you managed and got home safely. Lovely pictures though.
ReplyDeleteIt really WOULD be a nightmare with rush hour.
DeleteI guess there are some very deep thinking people behind all that construction. Sometimes it looks like it’s just a jumble, but in the end each road goes where it supposed to. Looks like you had a good day to get out and enjoy nature.
ReplyDelete...an engineering marvel!
DeleteAround our area they are widening the freeways and it's going to take years. I tend to avoid freeways if I can but today I noticed how quiet it was in rush hour today. I guess a lot of people are still working from home.
ReplyDeleteIt was worse here during the height of the pandemic!!
DeleteAwwww... your sweet little masked trick-or-treater Troll. She's darling!! Your pictures are beautiful, Anni. I hate road construction and yet it seems like it's been going on for years around here. Ughhhhhh!!! I've seen nothing but reports about rain in Texas and always think of you. Apparently it's not too bad where you are? I pray not. ~Andrea xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteNo, for the most part, the heavy, flooding rains have moved out.
DeleteAnni, please dont take me with you on any more of these unfinished construction road trips. I was a nervous wreck just being your passenger! BTW awesome haiku you left last week. :)
ReplyDeleteSo far not much construction up in my area.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe