The Texas Department of Transportation is collecting comments from the public on a proposed project to improve safety and traffic flow on FM 1488 between Mostyn Drive in Magnolia and I-45. Comments must be received or postmarked by Dec. 22.
The proposed project spans 12.4 miles through Magnolia, Conroe and The Woodlands and includes adding left-turn lanes at major intersections, a raised median through the length of the project and upgrading or installing several traffic signals, TxDOT officials said in a virtual presentation.
A virtual public meeting presentation was posted to TxDOT’s website Dec. 2; an in-person meeting will be held Dec. 7 from 3-7 p.m. at KC Event Center, 2655 FM 1488, Conroe, as well.
Traffic signals are proposed for the intersections of FM 1488 and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Sweetgum Lane and Forest West Street, TxDOT officials said.
The approximately $11 million project—funded by both state and federal dollars—also proposes replacing the existing center turn lane with a raised median between Mostyn Drive and I-45, according to TxDOT information. Breaks would be incorporated to allow for U-turns and left turns.
While no additional right of way is anticipated to accommodate the project, TxDOT is proposing widening FM 1488 on the northside between Hwy. 242 and Kuykendahl Road to add a westbound auxiliary lane and allow for larger trucks to make U-turns. Widening FM 1488 at Hwy. 242 and Kuykendahl Road would accommodate second turn lanes for vehicles traveling west.
TxDOT’s presentation states crash rates within the project limits from 2016-21 are significantly higher than the statewide average during that five-year period. In addition, 11 fatalities have resulted between Mostyn Drive and I-45 during that time.
Following additional planning and review stages, TxDOT information shows the agency anticipates receiving bids from builders in April 2022 and construction beginning in June 2022. Construction is anticipated to take 2.5 years, according to TxDOT.
Public comments must be received or postmarked by Dec. 22 and can be emailed to [email protected], completed via a comment card, or mailed. Project schematics, maps and the full virtual presentation are available here.
