According to previous reporting, the purpose of the study is to analyze mobility issues and recommend projects across Precinct 2 to improve safety and mobility. H-GAC Project Planner Justin Kuzla led attendees through a Powerpoint presentation overview of the study, highlighting raised medians, road widenings, restriping and roundabout projects.
Key projects planned
Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley highlighted several study recommendations including numerous raised medians, the installation of a roundabout at Hwy. 149 and Keenan Cut Off Road, and restriping projects, including one on Grogans Mill Road from Vision Park Boulevard to Research Forest Drive.
Riley said during the meeting he would take the comments made and convey them to the Texas Department of Transportation.
“Make your comments,” he said. “I promise you we are going to look at it.”
RIley made a point of clarification during open comments that numbered roads—such as Hwy. 242 and FM 1488—are state controlled and therefore under the authority of the TxDOT.
State-maintained road projects featured in the plan include widenings of FM 1486 from FM 1774 to Hwy. 105 and of Hwy. 149 from FM 1774 to Hwy. 105 as well as several expansions along FM 1488 throughout the precinct.
The long-proposed Magnolia Relief Route is also included within the study.
The presentation provided short-term projects—1 to 10 years—as well as long-term projects—11 or more years—that could be completed. Both long-term and short term projects would take an estimated $3.6 billion combined to construct. Funding has yet to be secured.
Feedback, next steps
Although many public responses during the presentation were generally positive toward the efforts to update mobility plans, some residents expressed concerns regarding projects impacting individuals' properties. Riley confirmed unless a homeowner receives a letter, there should be no concerns these projects would affect their properties.
The project overview states the goal of the project is to “develop a safe, well-connected and efficient multimodal transportation system achieved through coordinated public and private investments that promotes orderly growth and provides adequate mobility for people, goods and services.”
According to the presentation, the next steps of the study are to review the survey and public comments. In September, another steering committee meeting is scheduled to occur, with a final mobility plan document being developed in the fall.
