Signal improvement for two intersections in Alden Bridge Village, currently controlled by four-way stop signs, will be designed and installed by Montgomery County.

The traffic signals will be installed at Research Forest and Alden Bridge drives in 2015, and at Research Forest and Crownridge drives in 2016, said Steve Leakey, Alden Bridge Village Association president.

“For years [the intersections] have been very dangerous,” he said. “[The area] is heavily traveled during rush hour. There are lines both east and west and north and south on Alden Bridge, school kids trying to cross the street, people trying to cross the street from the apartments—it’s just a constant mess, especially during rush hour.”

On Aug. 26, The Woodlands Township board of directors overturned a previous budget decision to fund the traffic light installation, Leakey said.

“An arrangement had been reached between Montgomery County and The Woodlands Township officials, and approved by the township board, only to be reversed,” Leakey said in an Aug. 28 press release.

Township board Director Gordy Bunch said he opposed the funding for the signals because he did not see the need for the township to fund the signal improvements.

“I called the county to inquire why they were not funding these within their budget as it had increased an additional $30 million this year,” Bunch said. “I was told they didn’t need our funding and could handle it within their budget.”

Bunch said within 72 hours of the $1.3 million funding reversal by the township, Montgomery County and Precinct 2 and 3 commissioners agreed to provide funding for the signal improvements.

“I am committed to fighting for our community to receive the services our county taxes are expected to cover, and these signals are included in those items the county should cover,” Bunch said.

In the press release, Leakey said the ABVA has been working to get traffic signals at the intersections for more than three years and had been discussing the projects with Montgomery County commissioners.

On Sept. 4, Leakey said an agreement had been reached between Commissioners Charlie Riley and James Noack to install the traffic signals. 

The signal improvement projects are in the design phase. Precinct 2 will acquire the equipment, and Precinct 3 would install and operate the signals, said Charles Cobb, Precinct 3 traffic operations manager.

“I’m optimistic that it’s going to get done finally,” Leakey said. “The [commissioners] have reached an agreement. I appreciate that the two commissioners are working together as a team. The thousands of travelers who go through there on a daily and weekly [basis] will certainly be better off, as well as students and pedestrians crossing in and out of the village center.”