The widening proposal was made in response to increased traffic counts, population and serious traffic crashes along the corridor, according to meeting information.
The late January meetings follow public meetings held in January and November of 2018, according to TxDOT information. Black said a slight change in alignment was made, and after reviewing public comments, the next step is to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed widening project, according to TxDOT information. The public comment period closes Feb. 14. See how to submit a public comment here.
After the environmental assessment is drafted, another public hearing will be held, Black said.
According to meeting information, TxDOT estimates annual average daily traffic volumes will increase by nearly 86% from 2015-35 throughout the project area. In the Tomball area, TxDOT projects daily traffic volumes will grow from 27,834 vehicles in 2015 to 51,770 vehicles in 2035 between Cypress Rosehill Road and Tomball Cemetery Road. Additionally, traffic is projected to increase from 29,291 vehicles in 2015 to 54,480 vehicles in 2035 between Tomball Cemetery Road and Hwy. 249.
The goal of the widening project is to improve traffic flow, mobility and safety within the project area, according to TxDOT information. The FM 2920 corridor between Tomball Cemetery Road and Hwy. 249 saw 228 crashes from 2013-18, about 1/4 of the crashes within the project area, according to meeting information. Within the 19-mile project area, a total of 896 crashes were recorded from 2013-18.
According to meeting information, the alternative alignment proposed during the open house would require 208 acres of right of way and could potentially displace five residences and 18 businesses. Other alignments would require as much as 231 acres of right of way and displace as many as 21 homes and 34 businesses.
An estimated cost and construction timeline was not available as of publication.