Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana presented Richard Brown, Texas Department of Transportation professional engineer for Montgomery County, with a plaque for the completion of the FM 1774 widening project. Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana presented Richard Brown, Texas Department of Transportation professional engineer for Montgomery County, with a plaque for the completion of the FM 1774 widening project.[/caption]

An official with the Texas Department of Transportation received a plaque and answered questions from Magnolia City Council June 9 regarding the completion of the FM 1774 Segment 1 widening project.

Plans for Segment 1 of the project, which spans from FM 1488 to West Lost Creek Boulevard, include a four-lane roadway with parallel parking spaces in front of downtown businesses near Nichols Sawmill Road.

However, many residents and City Council members have voiced concerns after the long-awaited project opened in early June as a two-lane roadway with turn lanes. The project was originally scheduled for completion in September 2014 but was delayed due to utility and environmental conflicts.

“[FM 1774] is going to be four lanes,” said Richard Brown, TxDOT professional engineer for Montgomery County. “We are waiting for approval through the [Environmental Protection Agency] process because Magnolia is in a nonattainment area for air quality and is lumped in with Houston.”

Once the paperwork is received from the EPA, the Houston-Galveston Area Council must approve the four-lane plan. TxDOT will then hire a contractor in the area or a new company to restripe the road to fit four total lanes, Brown said.

“The actual striping shouldn’t take more than about a week,” Brown said. “You take all of that outside white line and put in a dotted line. The center-turn lane is going to stay that wide, and there will be no shoulders.”

In addition, a dedicated left-turn arrow will be implemented at the stoplight on Buddy Riley Boulevard at FM 1774, Brown said. TxDOT officials are also looking to improve the stoplight at Melton Street and FM 1488 to ensure proper synchronization.

“[Brown] played an integral part in the expansion of FM 1774 here in Magnolia,” Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana said. “I know it’s taken some time and heartache, but it’s a great addition to the city. He’s always been accessible and willing to help us with any issues.”

For a more in-depth look at FM 1774 and information on Segment 2, read the July Tomball|Magnolia edition of Community Impact Newspaper.