What's happening?
A prerecorded presentation was posted July 25 to share about the project. According to the presentation, the project proposes widening Hwy. 75 from two lanes to four divided lanes between FM 3083 and FM 2432.
The project's purpose is to:
- Reduce congestion
- Enhance safety by accommodating traffic volumes
- Facilitate mobility in central Montgomery County
Between FM 2083 and League Line Road, the project proposes:
- Four divided lanes with a flush median instead of the previously proposed raised median based on public input, said Melissa Cross, part of TxDOT's project team, during the recorded presentation
- Adding a 10-foot shared use path on each side of the roadway
- Four divided lanes with an 18-foot raised center median, 12-foot wide shoulders and 10-foot shared use paths on each side of roadway
Some context
Alongside growing traffic volumes, the Texas Water Development Board predicts Montgomery County's population will increase 104.4% by 2050, according to the presentation.
- Conroe's population is projected to increase 28.7% from 2020-2050.
- Willis' population is projected to increase 38% from 2020-2050.
How we got here
Alongside the prerecorded presentation, TxDOT personnel hosted an in-person meeting July 27 in Willis to gather feedback on the project.
- Previously, TxDOT hosted an opening house at Willis High School in February 2017.
- With public input, TxDOT altered the project design to accommodate better access to residences and businesses with flush medians along part of the project limits.
- Environmental studies restarted in March 2023 and are ongoing.
"Current and projected growth in the area has caused traffic demand to increase and therefore, congestion has increased along the corridor," Cross said.
What's next
Project comments can be submitted to TxDOT via email, online or mail.
- Comments must be received or postmarked by Aug. 11.
- Submit to [email protected] or to TxDOT Houston District Office, Advanced Project Development Director, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, TX 77251-1386.
- It is estimated to cost $80 million.
- Construction is anticipated to span three years.
- TxDOT anticipates beginning right-of-way acquisition this fall with design commencing in spring.