FM 830 Expansion: Public Raises Concerns

**FM 830 Widening Project Advances Amidst Community Concerns in Montgomery County**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has concluded its public comment period for the proposed $22 million expansion of FM 830, a critical project aimed at enhancing safety and mobility in a rapidly developing area of Montgomery County. The comment period, which closed on February 28, 2024, followed a public hearing held on February 13 at Lake Creek High School, where residents voiced a range of concerns about the significant roadway transformation.

The project targets a 3.5-mile stretch of FM 830, from I-45 to just west of Tejas Boulevard. TxDOT’s plan involves converting the existing two-lane undivided roadway into a four-lane divided thoroughfare, complete with a raised median, widened shoulders, and shared-use paths (sidewalks) on both sides. The initiative is entirely state-funded and is projected to begin construction in late 2026.

TxDOT officials emphasize that the expansion is a direct response to mounting safety issues and the severe traffic congestion accompanying Montgomery County’s explosive population growth. The region, particularly around Lake Conroe, has seen a boom in residential and commercial development, placing immense strain on existing infrastructure.

“Our primary goal is to alleviate congestion and improve the safety record of FM 830, which has unfortunately seen an increase in accidents as traffic volumes have surged,” stated Deidrea George, a TxDOT spokesperson. “The expanded capacity and the introduction of a raised median are crucial for managing traffic flow and reducing collision points, while the shared-use paths will provide safer options for pedestrians and cyclists.”

However, the public hearing revealed a community deeply invested in the details of the project and wary of its potential impacts. A major point of contention centers on the acquisition of private property. George confirmed that approximately 56 property parcels could be affected by right-of-way acquisitions needed for the wider roadway. Residents expressed anxiety over the process and fair compensation for their land.

Beyond property concerns, attendees raised issues about potential drainage problems, increased noise pollution from a larger roadway, and the general disruption that construction—expected to last several years—will bring to daily life.

Local residents like Jeff Vanover and James Darden highlighted specific operational concerns. Vanover pointed to the critical intersection at Tejas Boulevard, questioning how the new design would manage traffic flow and potential backups. Darden focused on the placement and number of median cuts, which directly impact local access to homes and businesses along FM 830. “While we understand the need for improvements, the design needs to consider the practicalities of how we live and work here every day,” Darden said at the public hearing. “Closing off existing turns or making U-turns difficult could significantly disrupt our routines.”

TxDOT is currently reviewing all comments received during the public period. These insights will inform the final design phase of the project, which will also include detailed environmental assessments. The department typically seeks to balance community feedback with engineering best practices and safety requirements.

Residents interested in tracking the project’s progress can visit the TxDOT website for the Montgomery County area or contact local precinct offices for updates as the project moves closer to its projected construction start date in late 2026. The department has indicated it will continue to engage with the community as final designs are solidified and construction timelines are firmed up.