While most of Houston is sitting at home, Westheimer outside Loop 610 will have round-the-clock construction starting Thursday, which officials hope can make a planned resurfacing slightly less painful.

Westheimer, also known as FM 1093 outside Loop 610 and managed by the Texas Department of Transportation, had been scheduled for a lengthy and complex rebuild to Dairy Ashford, with crews working only at night.

However, with traffic volumes so low under Harris County’s stay-at-home order, TxDOT and Angel Brothers Construction, the job’s contractor, shifted to a 24-hour schedule so workers can complete the job as fast as possible. Workers will close two lanes in each direction, between Loop 610 and Fountain View, starting Thursday.

“This is likely going to save a significant amount of time,” said Emily Black, a spokeswoman for TxDOT in Houston. “We don’t really feel comfortable putting a hard number on it at this point, but I can say it could save an estimated month of time.”

ROAD WORK AT THE READY: Less traffic could mean more construction during coronavirus crisis

The original 13-month schedule could drop even further, provided the low traffic volumes continue — perhaps one positive outcome to the devastating effect the novel coronavirus has had on the Houston region.

As long as warranted, work will continue at all times. Crews are resurfacing nine miles of the street, at a cost of around $12 million.

“If and when traffic volume increases in the area, crews will adjust schedules and closures,” TxDOT officials said in a release.

During phase one of the work from Loop 610 to Fountain View, at least one lane in each direction will remain open, officials said. Originally, the work was planned to move from Dairy Ashford eastward, but the low traffic volumes prompted TxDOT and the contractor to reverse course.

“Plans are to get as much work done in the busiest area during this low traffic time,” Black said.

By many measures, Westheimer is the region’s busiest street, with average daily traffic of 67,000 vehicles in some of the most congested spots. Only area freeways carry more traffic.

dug.begley@chron.com