LOOP 494

The Eastex Freeway going inbound near Loop 494 is shut down due to heavy police presence in the area.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: When is the road going to be reopened on Loop 494 north of FM1485? Answer: According to the Texas Department of Transportation, this project should be active into the third quarter of 2021. It is taking a little longer than expected due to utility work that needed to be completed in the area. Loop 494 will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes between Sorters McClellan Road and Northpark Plaza.

The Texas Department of Transportation began reconstructing Loop 494 between Sorters McClellan Road and Northpark Plaza Drive on July 8. The project, which was awarded to ISI Contracting Inc., includes expanding the road from two to four lanes and adding a raised turf median divider and center turn lanes at intersections and sidewalks. According to TxDOT officials, traffic flow is reduced to one lane during construction. Timeline: July 8-second quarter 2021Cost: $14.3 millionFunding source: TxDOT

KINGWOOD, Texas – From the beginning it was a fast-moving fire and a longtime hair salon in Kingwood never had a chance. Just before 6 p.m. Monday evening the salon on Loop 494 near Highway 59 and Sorters McClellan Road -- called A Hair Place burned quickly. "Like a big old balloon popping," said Raul Pena, who was working next door at a mobile Goodwill Center. "I turned around and walked around the fence, saw smoke, flames, and the alarm goes off." She was working two businesses away at Nico's Place restaurant when someone came in and told her they saw the fire.

Restaurant Report Card for July 5: Lots of roachesPublished: July 6, 2012, 8:47 amHOUSTON – Maybe you've heard that the best time to eat at a restaurant is just after the health inspector visits. Health inspectors said they found roaches inside a container of sliced onions at Taqueria Elyse's at 7675 Clarewood. * To file a complaint about a restaurant in Montgomery County, call the Montgomery County Health Department at 936-539-7839. * To file a complaint about a restaurant Galveston County, call the Galveston County Health Department at 409-938-2300. * To file a complaint about a restaurant Fort Bend County, contact the Fort Bend County Health Department.