Transportation Updates: The Woodlands

Funding sources: TxDOT, Montgomery County Precinct 2

2. Woodlands Parkway at Kuykendahl Road turn lane improvements

Montgomery County Precinct 3 is extending several turn lanes to improve traffic flow. The project includes extending eastbound and westbound left and right turn lanes on Woodlands Parkway onto Kuykendahl Road, and the northbound left turn lane on Kuykendahl Road onto Woodlands Parkway.

Timeline: Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Cost: $700,000

Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3

3. Woodlands Parkway expansion

TxDOT and The Woodlands Road Utility District are widening the westbound lanes of Woodlands Parkway from just west of Grogan's Mill Road to East Panther Creek Drive over Lake Woodlands. The contractor, Menade Inc., is running nine months behind schedule and Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said the county is in talks with TxDOT to potentially revoke the contractor's bond. Should Menade's bond be revoked, the project will be put on hold while another contractor is selected to complete the expansion. Noack said while Menade has put a potential October completion date on the project, he doubts the expansion will be finished by then.

Timeline: Contractor estimates project may be completed in October.

Cost: $3.6 million

Funding sources: Woodlands RUD, TxDOT

4. SJRA Groundwater Reduction Plan

The San Jacinto River Authority is installing pipeline throughout The Woodlands and Oak Ridge North as part of its Groundwater Reduction Plan.

A. Pipeline construction along portions Grogan's Mill Road has been delayed September and October, after the start date of the Conroe ISD school year. Some lanes will open by Aug. 25. Both eastbound lanes on Grogan's Mill Road between South Millbend Drive and Grogan's Park Drive are closed with traffic being diverted to one westbound lane. All major intersections remain open.

Timeline: Aug.–Oct.

B. Pipeline installation along a one-mile stretch of Research Forest Drive between Greenbridge Drive and West Trillium Circle is on schedule to be complete by Aug. 25. The project includes the closure of one eastbound lane as crews install pipeline under the roadway.

Timeline: Expected completion date is Aug. 25.

Cost: $550 million

Funding source: SJRA

5. Kuykendahl Road extension

This project includes extending two lanes of Kuykendahl Road from Alden Bridge Drive to Crownridge Drive, completing a missing half-mile segment of Kuykendahl Road through The Woodlands.

Timeline: The project will begin Aug. 18.

Cost: $3.1 million

Funding source: TxDOT

6. Grand Parkway update

Three segments, sections F1, F2 and G, totaling 37 miles are under construction on Houston's third outer loop. The local segments stretch from Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 59 and feature major overpasses and interchanges at Hwy. 290, Hwy. 249 and I-45. Construction is requiring several lane closures and traffic diversions on the feeder roads between FM 2920 and the Hardy Toll Road.Timeline: Project is expected to be completed in December 2015.

Cost: $1 billion

Funding source: TxDOT

7. Expanded trolley service

The Woodlands Township is working to expand trolley service beyond Town Center to potentially include Hughes Landing. The project is designed to improve mobility and transportation in Town Center. A plan under consideration would include two routes, an express route and another for more leisurely travel. The plan would also require the township to purchase five new trolleys at a cost of $170,000 each. The township board of directors is considering the cost and the plan for its fiscal year 2014–15 budget.

Timeline: A start date has yet to be determined, but will take 18 months to complete.

Projected cost: $913,966

Funding source: The Woodlands Township

Turn lane improvements

Fifteen intersections throughout The Woodlands will see extended or additional turn lanes designed to improve traffic flow. The turn lane extensions will be located at intersections primarily along Research Forest Drive, Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway. For details, visit www.precinct3.org.

Timeline: Project is estimated to take 12–18 months.

Cost: $5.4 million

Funding source: The Woodlands RUD, Montgomery County Pct. 3