Project completed[/caption]1. The Grand Parkway
The Texas Department of Transportation has wrapped up construction on segments F-1 and F-2 of the Grand Parkway, which now connect Hwy. 290 in Cypress with I-45 south of The Woodlands. The two segments opened to traffic Feb. 6 and will be available to drivers toll-free until Feb. 15. Segment G, which will connect I-45 to Hwy. 59, has been delayed until March because of weather-related setbacks last year. Also known as the Greater Houston area’s third loop, the Grand Parkway is a toll road that will span 200 miles when complete.
Timeline: complete by early 2016
Cost: $1.2 billion
Funding sources: TxDOT
2. I-45 single-point urban interchange
A proposed improvement to help accommodate growth in The Woodlands area involves construction of a single-point urban interchange at I-45 northbound and Woodlands Parkway/Robinson Road. The proposed SPUI will extend 700 feet north and south of Woodlands Parkway/Robinson Road. The project could entail four ramps—two entrance and two exit—from the frontage road to the Woodlands Parkway/Robinson Road overpass that would be controlled by a three-phase traffic signal on top of the bridge. The project remains in the early study phase.
Timeline: TBA
Cost: $60 million
Funding sources: TxDOT and Montgomery County
3. FM 2978 widening project
TxDOT will let, or make available for bidding, the FM 2978 widening project in February. The proposed 6-mile project includes adding one lane in each direction from FM 1488 to Conroe-Hufsmith Road, along with a divided center-turn lane. The existing roadway is undivided with one lane in each direction, outside shoulders and open ditches.
Timeline: first quarter 2016-first quarter 2019
Cost: TBD
Funding sources: TxDOT, Federal Highway Administration
4. Woodlands Parkway lane improvements
Work continues on the project to add eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes at the Grogan’s Mill Road intersection. It also widens the northbound- and southbound approaches and widens the area under the overpass. Lane closures have been associated with the project.
Timeline: June 2015-August 2016
Cost: $1.2 million
Funding sources: Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1
In study phase[/caption]5. Rayford Road improvements
Montgomery County Precinct 3 is in the preliminary design stage of a proposed improvement project for Rayford Road between Richard Road and the upcoming Grand Parkway. Proposed improvements include widening the roadway from four to six lanes; building a six-lane bridge to bypass the Union Pacific Railroad; installing new traffic signals and street signage; building a raised median; synchronizing traffic lights; and installing additional traffic lights. The precinct plans to hold a public meeting this spring to share additional project information. The project was one of the November bond referendum projects approved by voters. Construction could begin by early 2017 and is expected to take about two years to complete.
Timeline: in preliminary design stage
Cost: $60 million
Funding sources: Montgomery County Precinct 3
6. I-45 HOV lane extension
The I-45 high occupancy vehicle lane extension will add one lane in each direction along I-45 from north of FM 1960 in north Harris County to the South Loop 336 in Conroe. Construction began in October, and the project will be complete the second quarter of 2016, according to TxDOT.
Timeline: October 2015-May 2016
Cost: $2.6 million
Funding source: TxDOT
Recently completed[/caption]7. Honea Egypt Road widening
Construction on Honea Egypt Road from FM 1488 to Ranch Lake Drive has wrapped up as crews worked to expand the thoroughfare from two to four lanes. The length of the project includes a continuous left-turn lane much like already expanded segments of the roadway to the north of the project near the Woodforest community.
Timeline: June 2015-early 2016
Cost $2.6 million
Funding sources: Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District, Montgomery County
