Montgomery County Road Projects Receive $519M

**Montgomery County Secures $519 Million for Key Road Projects, Though Short of Initial Ask**

**CONROE, Texas –** Montgomery County is poised for significant transportation improvements over the next four years, having secured $519 million in federal and state funding for various road projects. The allocation comes after the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO), adopted its 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) on February 23, 2024. While a substantial investment, the funding represents about one-third of the county’s ambitious $1.5 billion initial wish list submitted to H-GAC.

County Judge Mark Keough acknowledged the disparity between the county’s request and the approved allocation but underscored the vital nature of the projects that did receive funding. “While we certainly aimed for more, the projects approved are absolutely critical to the continued development and growth of Montgomery County,” Keough stated. “These improvements will directly address some of our most pressing traffic and connectivity challenges.”

H-GAC, tasked with distributing federal and state transportation dollars across the 13-county Houston-Galveston region, prioritizes projects based on criteria including regional mobility goals, air quality impacts, equity considerations, and extensive public input gathered in late 2023.

Here’s a detailed look at the major projects slated for Montgomery County:

* **Interstate 45 Widening (Spring Creek to SH 242): $270 million**
This flagship project will dramatically expand a critical segment of I-45, widening the interstate to eight lanes. The allocation also covers the addition of new frontage roads and ramps, aiming to alleviate severe congestion along this vital north-south artery connecting communities from Spring to Conroe and beyond.

* **State Highway 105 Improvements (Loop 336 to Teas Nursery): $106.6 million**
A major east-west corridor through Conroe, SH 105 will see significant enhancements. Plans include widening this stretch to six lanes, introducing continuous left-turn lanes to improve traffic flow and safety, and upgrading signalization at key intersections.

* **F.M. 1488 Widening (Waller County Line to F.M. 2978): $39.8 million**
Addressing growth in the western part of the county, F.M. 1488 will be expanded from two to four lanes, incorporating a center turn lane. This improvement will enhance capacity and safety for commuters and residents in rapidly developing areas.

* **F.M. 2854 Expansion (Loop 336 to Lake Conroe): $30.1 million**
This project focuses on improving access to the Lake Conroe area, a hub for recreation and residential growth. F.M. 2854 will be widened to four lanes, also including a center turn lane, improving connectivity to the popular lakeside communities.

* **F.M. 3083 Upgrades (Loop 336 to F.M. 1485): $17.1 million**
Serving the growing New Caney area, F.M. 3083 will receive essential upgrades to enhance mobility and safety for local traffic.

* **Loop 336 Intersection Improvements: $10.3 million**
Closer to the heart of Conroe, Loop 336 will benefit from targeted intersection improvements at Longmire Road, Montgomery Park Boulevard, and Sgt. Ed Holcomb Boulevard, aiming to reduce bottlenecks and improve traffic flow at these busy junctions.

* **League Line Road Underpass at I-45: $25.2 million**
This significant connectivity project will construct a new underpass for League Line Road at Interstate 45. The underpass is expected to greatly improve safety and efficiency by separating local traffic from the interstate, alleviating congestion at the interchange.

Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack hailed the allocation as “a win for Montgomery County,” particularly emphasizing the transformative impact of the I-45 widening project on regional mobility.

However, some high-priority projects from the county’s initial request did not make the cut. Notably absent from H-GAC’s adopted list was the proposed Grand Parkway (SH 99) extension from I-45 to U.S. 59 in northeast Montgomery County. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley expressed disappointment but acknowledged the nature of such large-scale projects. “While we always push for more, the Grand Parkway is typically a state-driven project managed by TxDOT, and its funding mechanisms often differ from the TIP process,” Riley explained.

The projects approved underscore a regional commitment to addressing Montgomery County’s escalating transportation needs driven by its rapid population and economic growth. While the county did not secure all its desired funding, these allocations represent a significant step forward in improving mobility, enhancing safety, and supporting the continued development of one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.

Residents can find more information about the 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program on the H-GAC website at h-gac.com/tip.