The project is being conducted in cooperation between the city of Conroe and the Texas Department of Transportation. The first public meeting was held virtually April 20 and was posted on the city of Conroe’s website.
The proposed project would involve the construction of a roughly 1-mile, four-lane bridge over the West Fork San Jacinto River; the reconstruction and widening of Sgt. Ed Holcombe Blvd. South and Old Conroe Road to a four-lane, divided facility that will cross the river via the proposed bridge and connect Loop 336 and FM 1488; the construction of a shared-use path on the east side of the facility within the project limits; and the construction of six detention ponds.
If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2024 and last about 2 1/2 years. The cost will be funded through federal and local funds.
According to the presentation, the project is needed to improve mobility in the corridor, help with traffic and congestion, and improve emergency response by increasing connectivity.
Daily traffic is expected to increase on Old Conroe, according to the presentation. The average daily traffic in 2025 is expected to be 8,417 vehicles per day—a 16% increase from 2020—and 27,162 by 2045. However, with the completion of the project, about 30 minutes of travel time is expected to be saved despite increased traffic.
The project team is in the process of evaluating potential environmental impacts, including hazardous materials, traffic noise analysis and air quality. Land use in the area near FM 1488 is primarily residential with limited commercial, according to the prerecorded presentation. Land near the West Fork is mostly wooded and undeveloped.
No residential or commercial displacements are anticipated.
The project is currently in the phase of soliciting input from the public. Next, a public hearing will be held, though a date has not been announced. The team will then request project approval and funding, and then begin right of way acquisitions. There are 80 rights of way estimated.
Comments can be emailed to [email protected].
