Businesses along Highway 146 are showing signs of recovery following years of construction-related disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of the expanded highway in spring 2024 has led to renewed commercial activity, with at least eight new restaurants established along the corridor. Among the new openings is Pasta Margarita, owned by Mario Denis, who previously operated Playa Maya before it closed during the construction period. Stephen Ross, who is preparing to open Coconut Grove, noted the increase in vehicle activity, stating, “Everyone seems to be driving [along Hwy. 146] again.” Despite the progress, ongoing work on adjacent frontage roads continues to affect accessibility for some businesses, as reported by Community Impact.
Cities along Highway 146, including Kemah and Seabrook, are advancing efforts to strengthen their local economies following the completion of the highway’s widening project. According to Community Impact, both cities have sought to attract businesses, with Tookie’s Hamburgers ultimately choosing to remain in Kemah despite Seabrook offering $600,000 in relocation incentives. Seabrook has launched its “Shop Local” program to support economic recovery, while Kemah is moving forward with the Kemah Beacon Project, a planned waterfront landmark. Sales tax revenues in both cities have shown improvement, indicating continued economic growth in the area.
KHOU detailed that the ongoing Highway 146 construction project, which began before 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2028, aims to expand the roadway into a 12-lane freeway to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion-related incidents, traffic expert Jennifer Reyna said. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes such as Highway 3 or the Gulf Freeway to avoid construction zones as work continues on the corridor.
