Montgomery County Takes Over Old Conroe Road Project

Montgomery County Steps Up to Tackle Ambitious Old Conroe Road Widening Project

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – February 10, 2026** – After years of planning and mounting challenges, the ambitious Old Conroe Road widening and realignment project is officially transitioning to Montgomery County. This critical infrastructure upgrade, aimed at alleviating congestion and improving connectivity from FM 1488 north to State Highway 105, was formally transferred following a unanimous vote by the Conroe City Council on January 22, 2026. The Montgomery County Commissioners Court finalized its acceptance today, February 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the long-anticipated project.

The undertaking will transform Old Conroe Road from its current two-lane configuration into a modern, four-lane thoroughfare, complete with a dedicated center turn lane designed to enhance safety and traffic flow. The project also encompasses strategic realignment of several sections to improve sightlines and smooth out sharp curves.

While initial estimates for the entire project in 2015 were approximately $18 million, escalating material costs, labor shortages, and complex right-of-way acquisitions have driven current projections significantly higher. Phase 1, covering the segment from FM 1488 to Loop 336, is now estimated at $19.3 million alone. Phase 2, which extends from Loop 336 to SH 105, remains in its design phase, with its cost yet to be fully determined.

Funding for the expanded project will primarily stem from county bond programs. An $8 million allocation was secured from a 2015 bond, with an additional $20 million approved by voters in the comprehensive 2023 bond election, underscoring the community’s demand for road improvements. The City of Conroe has already invested approximately $4.5 million in initial engineering and crucial right-of-way acquisition efforts. This significant investment will be credited to the county upon the completion of the transfer, ensuring the city’s previous efforts are recognized and leveraged.

Conroe Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman candidly addressed the city’s decision to relinquish the project, stating, “This project, while vital for our community, had simply grown too big for the city to manage effectively on our own. The rising costs and the intricate complexities involved in acquiring the necessary right-of-way, particularly with multiple landowners and utility relocations, became major hurdles.” Hardman added that the transfer ensures the project can move forward with the necessary resources and expertise.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, whose rapidly growing precinct encompasses the entire length of Old Conroe Road, welcomed the county’s takeover. “This is a natural fit for a county project,” Riley affirmed during a recent Commissioners Court meeting. “Old Conroe Road serves as a crucial north-south connector between two state highways, FM 1488 and SH 105, impacting not just Conroe residents but thousands of daily commuters throughout the county. The county has the capacity and the resources to see this through.” County Judge Mark Keough echoed Riley’s sentiment, emphasizing the county’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs across the region.

With the county now leading the charge, construction is anticipated to commence sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. Officials project an estimated completion time of three to four years for the entire length. A key strategic decision by the county is to combine both phases of the project, aiming to tackle the full scope from FM 1488 to SH 105 simultaneously. This approach is expected to streamline construction, reduce overall disruption, and potentially accelerate the project’s completion, providing much-needed relief to motorists navigating the heavily trafficked corridor.

The widening of Old Conroe Road is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and support the continued economic development and population growth experienced throughout Montgomery County. Residents can anticipate updates on the project’s progress and potential traffic impacts via the Montgomery County Engineering Department website and local media announcements as construction draws nearer.