Conroe-Montgomery: 7 Road Projects Ease Congestion

Montgomery County Undergoes Massive Road Transformation with Seven Major Projects Totaling Over $397 Million

Conroe and Montgomery County are currently a hub of construction activity, experiencing an unprecedented wave of road improvements designed to reshape the region’s transportation landscape. Seven major projects, collectively valued at over $397 million, are simultaneously underway, spearheaded by a robust collaborative effort involving the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Montgomery County, and the City of Conroe. These significant initiatives are a direct response to the area’s explosive population growth and the escalating traffic congestion that comes with it.

According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC), Montgomery County consistently ranks among the fastest-growing counties in Texas and the nation. This rapid expansion, driven by new residential developments, commercial hubs, and a desirable quality of life, has placed immense strain on existing roadways. The ongoing projects aim not just to alleviate current bottlenecks but to build a resilient infrastructure capable of supporting future growth.

“These projects are critical for ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the remarkable growth Montgomery County is experiencing,” stated Eliza Rodriguez, TxDOT Houston District Engineer, in a recent interview. “We’re not just widening roads; we’re building capacity, improving safety, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and commuters across the entire region.”

Montgomery County Judge Mark Miller echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative spirit. “Our unwavering commitment to investing in our transportation network is paramount. Partnering with TxDOT and the City of Conroe allows us to leverage resources and address these pressing needs holistically. These aren’t just projects; they’re vital investments in our collective future.”

Conroe Mayor Sarah Davis added, “Conroe’s expansion demands a robust infrastructure. These improvements, particularly Loop 336 and the League Line Road Extension, are vital for our residents’ daily commutes and for attracting continued economic development to the city.”

Here’s a closer look at the seven major projects currently transforming Montgomery County’s roadways:

**I-45 Corridor Upgrades**

The Interstate 45 corridor, a vital artery for the region, is seeing significant investment to improve flow and safety.

* **I-45 at FM 830 Overpass (Montgomery County):** This substantial $110.8 million undertaking, which began in late 2022 and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, is rebuilding FM 830 into a six-lane divided roadway. Key features include new direct connectors, U-turn bridges, signal upgrades, and detention ponds, all meticulously designed to notably improve I-45 traffic flow and alleviate congestion on FM 830, which serves communities north of Conroe.
* **FM 1097 at I-45 (Willis):** Up in Willis, a similar-scale project with a budget of $119.5 million is also in progress. Starting in Q4 2022 and targeting Q4 2026 for completion, this work involves reconstructing FM 1097 from four to six lanes, adding new direct connectors, U-turn bridges, signal upgrades, and frontage road improvements. This will significantly enhance traffic along both I-45 and FM 1097, improving access for residents and businesses in Willis and surrounding areas.
* **SH 242 at I-45 (Near The Woodlands):** Addressing a particularly busy corridor, this $31 million project was initiated in Q1 2024 with a Q3 2026 completion goal. The work involves widening SH 242 from six to eight lanes, adding dedicated turn lanes, and upgrading signals from west of I-45 to west of Research Forest Drive. This is specifically aimed at improving mobility through one of the most congested interchanges in the county, serving commuters from The Woodlands, Conroe, and surrounding areas.

**Conroe’s Internal Connectivity**

Within the city of Conroe, two crucial projects are enhancing internal circulation and creating new routes.

* **Loop 336 Phase 3 (North Segment – Conroe):** This $23.2 million project, which began in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to wrap up by Q1 2027, focuses on a critical stretch between Airport Road and I-45. The roadway is being widened from two to four lanes, with additional turn lanes and signal improvements to better accommodate the growing traffic volume in northern Conroe and facilitate access to major commercial and residential areas.
* **League Line Road Extension (Conroe):** A significant new artery, this $50.3 million project started in Q4 2022 and is projected for Q4 2026 completion. It involves constructing a new four-lane divided roadway extending from west of I-45 to FM 3083 in Conroe. Critically, it includes a new bridge over the West Fork San Jacinto River and a new signal at FM 3083, establishing a much-needed alternate east-west route to ease the burden on the heavily utilized SH 105.

**SH 105 Widening for East-West Mobility**

State Highway 105, a key east-west thoroughfare traversing the county, is undergoing substantial expansion in two major segments.

* **SH 105 East (Conroe to Cut and Shoot):** This segment, stretching from east of Loop 336 East to east of FM 1484 (covering Conroe to Cut and Shoot), is a $25.5 million project. Initiated in Q1 2024 and projected for Q2 2027 completion, it is widening SH 105 from two to four lanes with a continuous center turn lane, significantly enhancing capacity and safety for commuters heading towards Cleveland and East Texas.
* **SH 105 West (Montgomery):** Similarly, the western segment of SH 105 in Montgomery, from west of Loop 336 West to west of FM 2854, is a $37.5 million undertaking. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, this project also involves widening to four lanes with a continuous center turn lane. While it has a longer timeline, aiming for completion in Q1 2028, it is considered vital for improving overall mobility and enhancing safety along this heavily utilized highway, especially for traffic connecting Lake Conroe communities and the western parts of the county.

While these projects promise significant long-term benefits, residents and commuters are advised to anticipate temporary delays and plan routes accordingly during construction phases. TxDOT, Montgomery County, and the City of Conroe encourage the public to visit their respective websites for the latest updates on project timelines and lane closures. These ambitious infrastructure investments underscore a proactive approach to managing growth and ensuring Montgomery County’s transportation network can meet the demands of its burgeoning population for years to come.