Summerwood’s location at the Sam Houston Tollway Northeast and W. Lake Houston Parkway from “very good” to “great” with the opening of the road’s final section 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).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.“Since Summerwood opened, we have conducted several drive-time studies which have confirmed that Summerwood offers one of the quickest commutes to downtown Houston,” said Kayla Webb, marketing director for Newland Communities, developer of Summerwood.“With this expansion project eliminating the need to exit U.S. 59 to get on the Beltway, and with the elimination of several stoplights between U.S. 59 and Summerwood, we believe that the new seamless commute will offer a significant time reduction for residents,” Webb said.Webb said many Summerwood residents also commute east on the Beltway, toward the Port of Houston Industrial Complex. “Summerwood residents will win in all directions, with more time to spend at home and enjoy the 200 acres of recreational amenities in their community,” she said.The Sam Houston Tollway project is opening at a time when this portion of the Beltway is experiencing impressive growth. “The H-E-B Summerwood Market and the Woodcreek Middle School have both recently opened in Summerwood, near our main entrance along Beltway 8,” said Webb. “And just across the street, the beautiful state-of-the-art Summer Creek High School opened in 2009. All of these developments, along with future developments such as a new YMCA campus planned for Summerwood, are happening in sync with the Sam Houston Tollway completion.”To view a toll way rate map, click here. To view a fact sheet from the Harris County Toll Road Authority, click here.