Conroe/Montgomery Road Widening: 7 Projects

**Major Road Overhaul Underway Across Conroe and Montgomery, Targeting 2026 Completion for Six Key Projects**

**CONROE/MONTGOMERY, TX –** Residents in the rapidly growing Conroe and Montgomery areas are witnessing a significant transformation of their road infrastructure, with seven major projects collectively valued at over $357 million either underway or soon to begin. This comprehensive effort, primarily spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and support the region’s booming population by widening critical thoroughfares.

As of early 2026, six of these seven projects are tracking towards a late 2026 completion, promising a substantial improvement in traffic flow in less than two years. The ambitious undertaking spans nearly 27.5 miles of roadway, from interstate expansions to local arterial improvements, bringing wider lanes, new medians, and dedicated turn lanes to some of the area’s busiest routes.

“The growth we’ve experienced in Montgomery County demands proactive investment in our transportation network,” said a hypothetical TxDOT spokesperson, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to long-term planning. “These projects represent a multi-faceted approach to not only accommodate current traffic but also to build capacity for future development and ensure safer, more efficient commutes for everyone.”

The suite of projects reflects the increasing pressure on the region’s roads as more people move to the area, attracted by its quality of life and proximity to Houston. While current construction may cause temporary delays and detours, officials assure the community that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconveniences.

Here’s a breakdown of the major projects reshaping the local landscape:

**FM 1097 West Expansion – Crucial Connector for Lake Conroe Access**
This vital project is transforming 4.2 miles of FM 1097 West, stretching from I-45 to FM 1097 East, just west of Lake Conroe. What was once a two-lane undivided road is being expanded to a four-lane divided thoroughfare. The $38.9 million undertaking by James Construction, which began in the fourth quarter of 2023, includes the addition of sidewalks, raised medians, and dedicated left-turn lanes. It’s expected to wrap up by the fourth quarter of 2026, significantly improving access to recreational areas and residential communities around the lake.

**FM 1488 Expansion (Segment 3) – Easing East-West Commutes**
Addressing congestion along a key east-west corridor, Segment 3 of the FM 1488 Expansion covers 3.2 miles from FM 1774 to the Waller County line, near Hazy Hollow Lane. The road is being expanded from two to four lanes, incorporating a continuous left-turn lane and shoulders for improved safety and traffic management. DBi Services commenced work on this $18.3 million project in the first quarter of 2023, targeting a fourth quarter 2026 finish.

**I-45 Mainlane Widening – Enhancing North-South Connectivity**
As the backbone of regional travel, I-45 is also seeing significant upgrades. Northbound mainlane widening is underway along a 5.5-mile stretch from FM 830 to FM 1097, expanding the interstate from three to four mainlanes. Webber LLC has been working on this substantial $105 million project since the third quarter of 2021, with an anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of 2026. This expansion is critical for managing freight and commuter traffic flowing through the Houston metropolitan area.

**Texas 105 Widening – A Coordinated Effort Across Montgomery and Conroe**
Texas 105, a major artery traversing both Montgomery and Conroe, is receiving extensive improvements across three distinct but coordinated segments:

* **Texas 105 Widening in Montgomery:** This 3.2-mile project stretches from east of FM 149 to Southwest Drive, expanding the road from four to six lanes. The $47 million effort by Mainlane Industries includes new raised medians, dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks, crucial drainage improvements, and signal upgrades. Construction began in the third quarter of 2023 and is looking at a fourth quarter 2026 completion.
* **Texas 105 Widening in Conroe (Segment 1):** Covering 1.8 miles from I-45 to West Loop 336, this segment mirrors the Montgomery improvements, expanding the road from four to six lanes. Mainlane Industries is also the contractor for this $39.5 million project, which started in the third quarter of 2023 and aims for a fourth quarter 2026 finish.
* **Texas 105 Widening in Conroe (Segment 2):** Adjacent to Segment 1, this 2.2-mile stretch runs from West Loop 336 to Teas Nursery Road. Also a four-to-six-lane expansion, it includes raised medians, bike lanes, sidewalks, drainage, and signal upgrades. With Mainlane Industries again at the helm, this $45 million segment also began in the third quarter of 2023 and is targeting a fourth quarter 2026 completion.

The comprehensive upgrades to Texas 105 are expected to dramatically improve connectivity and safety for residents, local businesses, and through-traffic.

**FM 1486 Widening – The Longest-Term Vision**
The final, and longest-term, project is the FM 1486 Widening. Set to begin in the second quarter of 2024, this 7.4-mile stretch from FM 1488 to Texas 105 will be transformed from a two-lane undivided road to a four-lane divided road, complete with sidewalks and left-turn lanes. With a projected cost of $63.7 million, this project has the longest timeline, with an estimated completion in the first quarter of 2028. The contractor for this significant undertaking is yet to be determined, but its completion will provide a crucial modernized link between two major east-west arteries.

“These projects are more than just asphalt and concrete; they are an investment in the future prosperity and quality of life for Conroe and Montgomery,” added a hypothetical Montgomery County Commissioner. “While we appreciate the patience of our residents during construction, the long-term benefits of improved safety, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity will be transformative for our community.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about construction progress, potential delays, and detours by visiting the TxDOT Houston District website (www.txdot.gov/houston) and DriveTexas.org for real-time traffic updates.