TxDOT considered the 57 comments submitted as public input after the first public meeting in April 2019, which was attended by 86 individuals, to develop the fourth alternative.
Most comments received supported improvements and highlighted specific needs along FM 529, such as reducing speeding, addressing drainage issues and improving roadways, intersections and lighting.
The project was created to alleviate congestion and keep commuters safer, as crash rates in the area are higher than the Texas average, according to meeting documentation.
The virtual meeting highlighted the need for the widening of FM 529 from a two-lane roadway to a six-lane roadway in the urban section, with a raised median between the Grand Parkway and Katy Hockley Cut Off Road as well as a 10-foot shared-use path on both sides of the roadway.
The rural area of the proposed project would widen FM 529 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway and would include the construction of a raised median between Katy Hockley Cut Off Road and FM 362, per meeting documentation.
If approved, the proposed project, located in Harris County and Waller County, will be federally funded. Construction would be expected to start in 2025, per meeting documentation.
The comment period will be open until June 24. TxDOT will then create a summary based on feedback and consider the public comments before completing the preliminary design and environmental documentation for the proposed alternative, per meeting documents.
Next, the NIPA documents will be submitted for approval on the project, and if approved, they will be followed by the development of its detailed design and right of way acquisition.
