The city of Humble will begin advertising for bids on the expansion of Townsen Boulevard this summer. Construction will begin in October with completion expected by the summer or fall of 2018, Assistant City Manager Jason Stuebe said.

The roadway will be expanded to four lanes between the northern entrance of the Wal-Mart Supercenter and where the road bends west toward Hwy. 59. The project is budgeted to cost $4.3 million.

The expansion is necessary because it will serve as an entry point for Aldine ISD's Townsen Boulevard Middle School when it opens in 2018, said Humble City Manager Darrell Boeske. The roadway also serves as a connection to major retail and entertainment options, such as Main Event and Costco.