The Texas Department of Transportation will hold public meetings to discuss proposed improvements on FM 1488 from I-45 to Mostyn Drive on Dec. 2 and Dec. 7, according to the department’s website.
The meeting will feature a presentation in English and Spanish as well as project exhibits. The Dec. 2 meeting will be virtual and will begin at 5 p.m., while the Dec. 7 meeting will be in-person at the KC Event Center, 2655 FM 1488, Conroe, and will run from 3-7 p.m.
The proposed changes scheduled to be discussed at the meeting include replacing the continuous central turn lane on the stretch of FM 1488 between I-45 and Mostyn Drive with a raised median. TxDOT said breaks will be included in the median to allow for U-turns.
Another change would see widened pavement on the north side of FM 1488 between Hwy. 242 and Kuykendahl Road. TxDOT said this widening would allow the construction of a westbound auxiliary lane and an extra left-turn lane at each intersection, so traffic due to construction could be reduced.
According to TxDOT’s website, the proposed projects would involve action being taken in a floodplain and in wetlands.
Toggle the map to see the stretch of FM 1488 TxDOT will be discussing in December, as well as previous proposed improvements. (Courtesy of TxDOT)
At a TxDOT meeting on May 23, 2019, the department presented information that showed between 2015-17 the 14-mile stretch of FM 1488 between FM 149 and I-45 saw one crash per day on average.
Throughout 2019, TxDOT conducted an access management study to determine potential improvements to the stretch of road. In addition to the raised median and turn lanes, accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists, retimed traffic signals, and advanced street name signs were proposed at public meetings.
According to a department presentation in October 2019, short-range improvements such as raised medians and additional traffic signals would cost about $19.53 million and could be done within the state’s right of way. However, medium- and long-range improvements such as adding lanes would cost over $60 million and would require cooperation with local entities.
TxDOT began widening FM 1488 lanes near Magnolia in October. Some business owners have voiced concerns that the construction—which has forced parking spaces to close—will hurt their bottom line.
More information about the December meetings can be found on the department website or by contacting the department’s project manager at 713-802-5092.
