Montgomery County Precinct 3 and the Texas Department of Transportation are working together to implement the best solution for improving the I-45 and Robinson Road interchange.
“The [existing] interchange design does not currently support the amount of traffic volume and causes heavy congestion to the east-west movements, especially during peak periods,” said Matt Beasley, chief of staff for Precinct 3.
Montgomery County’s successful November road bond election included a proposal to implement a single-point urban interchange project at the intersection. However, this spring the county learned TxDOT was about to initiate a planning and environmental linkage study along I-45 from Beltway 8 to Loop 336.
The state agency encouraged Precinct 3 to put plans for the SPUI on hold until its PEL study can determine the best solution for addressing congestion and safety issues along the corridor.
TxDOT’s study, which is expected to take two years to complete, will make long-term interchange improvement recommendations along the corridor, including more modern intersection designs. It will also include a long-term plan for widening I-45. However, it could take TxDOT up to 10 years to get funding for the entire scope of the project, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said.
In the meantime, Noack’s office and TxDOT are coordinating an interim solution to improve the I-45 and Robinson Road interchange. Engineering firm Brown & Gay is completing a study for possible implementation of a diamond interchange at the intersection.
There is no defined timeline for the project yet as the county is still working with the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of Oak Ridge North to determine the appropriate design that will provide the best cost and benefits, Beasley said.
“[TxDOT’s] study will look at various modes of travel as well as need for added capacity and traffic operations improvements,” said Danny Perez, TxDOT public information officer. “Whether or not the SPUI will be implemented is dependent on the outcome of the study.”
The interchange is entirely within TxDOT’s right of way, and the state agency will make the final decision regarding what improvements occur, Beasley said.
The cost of the SPUI was approximately $60 million, and the county was going to provide $3 million for engineering design and right of way acquisition. The cost to construct the diamond interchange is approximately $3 million.
TxDOT’s study will also address environmental challenges and design projects that meet mobility, environmental and community needs in northern Harris and southern Montgomery counties.
