Friendswood offers its support for Grand Parkway completion

Friendswood has joined other Houston communities in expressing support for completion of the Grand Parkway in Galveston and Brazoria counties.

Friendswood City Council unanimously passed a resolution registering its support for the Texas Department of Transportation’s construction of Segments A and B of the Grand Parkway on July 11. It joins League City and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in supporting the project.

Segment A of the Grand Parkway would run through Galveston County from SH 146 near San Leon to I-45 in League City. However, it is not currently considered a viable project, according to TxDOT’s website. Segment B would connect Hwy. 288 in Brazoria County to I-45 in League City.

The city noted that Segment B in particular would serve as an “essential” evacuation route, a means to reduce regional traffic congestion, and support economic development in Galveston and Brazoria counties, according to agenda documents.

In the resolution, the council encouraged TxDOT to fast-track the development and implementation of construction for Segment A and ensure no segments of the Grand Parkway are removed from the agency’s Unified Transportation Program.

Grand Parkway adds a third loop to Houston’s highway system, joining Hwy. 610 and Beltway 8. Most of the Grand Parkway is complete, but progress on Segments A, B and C of the Grand Parkway have stalled at the state level, according to agenda documents.

Friendswood originally approved a resolution supporting the construction in November 2002. The city, along with other municipalities and counties in the Houston area, have paid toward the expansion and want to see a return on their investment, according to agenda documents.