Montgomery County Revives Old Conroe Road Project

**Montgomery County Takes Reins on Long-Stalled Old Conroe Road Extension, Eyeing Mid-2026 Completion**

**CONROE, TX** – After years of dormancy, the critical Old Conroe Road extension project, aimed at easing severe traffic congestion north of Conroe, is officially back on track. Montgomery County has stepped in to manage the roughly one-mile extension, which will stretch from Airport Road north to I-45, with officials targeting a construction start in early 2025 and completion by mid-2026.

The long-anticipated roadway is designed to create a vital bypass, specifically addressing bottlenecks near the rapidly expanding Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport and the bustling Montgomery Park Industrial Boulevard.

This isn’t the first attempt to bring the extension to fruition. The City of Conroe originally spearheaded the project around 2015 and 2016, earmarking $8 million from a General Obligation bond. However, the effort stalled significantly post-2017 due to insurmountable difficulties in acquiring necessary right-of-way. Property owners around the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, and even a portion of the county’s own road department land, proved resistant to negotiations. Ultimately, the city’s $8 million bond funds had to be returned as land deals failed to materialize.

Now, Montgomery County is taking a direct approach. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and County Engineer Grant Story are championing the revived initiative, expressing strong confidence in the county’s ability to secure the necessary land parcels. The project will be financed through the county’s Road Bond D funds for construction.

“We understand the critical need for this extension, especially with the tremendous growth we’re seeing in the industrial park and around the airport,” Commissioner Riley stated. “The county has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex land acquisitions, and we are confident we can overcome the hurdles that previously stalled this vital project.”

The goal is to solicit bids for construction by late 2024. Once shovels hit the ground, officials anticipate an approximately 18-month construction period.

The extension is not merely about adding a road; it’s about significantly alleviating growing congestion for commuters, airport traffic, and industrial park logistics. It will provide a crucial alternate route, connecting drivers more directly to FM 3083, Loop 336, and offering a direct bypass around the north end of the airport. This improved connectivity is expected to enhance efficiency for businesses and residents alike.

County Engineer Grant Story echoed Riley’s sentiment, emphasizing the county’s readiness to see the project through to completion. “This project has sat dormant for too long, despite its clear importance to the region’s infrastructure,” Story said. “We are prepared to push this across the finish line and deliver a much-needed improvement for Montgomery County.”

The Old Conroe Road extension is expected to be a significant step in accommodating the area’s rapid development, improving daily commutes, and bolstering economic activity in one of Montgomery County’s busiest corridors.