New section of Kuykendahl opens to traffic

The newest section of Kuykendahl Road opened to traffic yesterday following a brief ceremony by some of the leaders who were involved in the project. The projects design now splits Kuykendahl south at Creekside Green Drive with northbound traffic traveling the new route and southbound traffic following the previous route that included two-way traffic.

The new bifurcated roadway rejoins north of Creekside Forest Drive. The two roadways are divided by a 450-foot median that is planned to be the location of the Creekside Forest Village Center.

Mark Seegers, communications director for the Harris County Pct. 4, said that following a traffic analysis of the segment, engineers determined a bifurcate roadway would have a "calming effect on traffic" and allow for enhanced traffic flow.

He also said previous right-of-way commitments played a role in the roadway's design.

Alex Sutton, co-president of The Woodlands Development Company, said the area between the Kuykendahl Road split, will be the site of a grocery-anchored retail center. He said the Creekside Park Village Center will be the last village center built in The woodlands and will include retail shopping and restaurants.

Dan Kolkhorst, vice president of engineering and construction for the Development Company, said about 16,000 cars per day travel along Kuykendahl. According to Seegers, the cost of the project was $5.7 million. Harris County Pct. 4 funded $3.5 million, while The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 paid $2.2 million.