Conroe-Montgomery: 8 Major Road Projects Update

## Conroe-Montgomery Region Gears Up for Transformative Road Upgrades Totaling Over $550 Million

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX –** Residents across the rapidly growing Conroe and Montgomery areas can look forward to significantly eased commutes and improved regional connectivity, as eight major transportation infrastructure projects, collectively valued at over $550 million, are actively underway or entering their final design phases. These massive undertakings by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Montgomery County are poised to reshape the local road network, addressing years of increasing congestion driven by exponential population growth.

“Montgomery County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, and our infrastructure must keep pace,” stated Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough. “These projects represent a vital investment in our future, ensuring safer roads, shorter commute times, and the continued economic vitality of our communities. It’s a testament to the strong collaboration between the county and TxDOT to deliver these much-needed improvements.”

The ambitious slate of projects focuses on widening key thoroughfares, adding crucial capacity, and enhancing safety features like continuous left-turn lanes, frontage roads, and dedicated shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

**Major TxDOT Initiatives Lead the Charge**

The bulk of the investment comes from TxDOT, with several projects targeting critical east-west and north-south corridors:

* **FM 1488 East Expansion (I-45 to FM 2978):** This flagship $145.4 million TxDOT initiative is transforming a critical segment of FM 1488 from four to six lanes. It includes new continuous frontage roads, U-turns, and shared-use paths. Construction on the segment from I-45 to Research Forest Drive began in Q3 2023, aiming for completion by Q2 2026. The second portion, from Research Forest Drive to FM 2978, commenced in Q4 2023 and is expected to finish by Q4 2026. This expansion is vital for commuters traveling between The Woodlands, Magnolia, and points east and west.

* **FM 1488 West Expansion (FM 2978 to FM 1774):** Further west, an $83.6 million TxDOT project is widening FM 1488 from two to four lanes, adding a continuous left-turn lane, curb and gutter, drainage improvements, and shared-use paths. Construction started in Q4 2023, with a target wrap-up by Q4 2026. This section is particularly important for residents in the rapidly developing western parts of the county, including Magnolia.

* **FM 2978 Widening (FM 1488 to Research Forest Drive):** Running concurrently, this $54.2 million TxDOT project expands FM 2978 from two to four lanes. It will incorporate a continuous left-turn lane, curb and gutter, drainage, and shared-use paths. Construction began in Q4 2023 and is projected to conclude in Q4 2026, significantly improving north-south access between FM 1488 and the Research Forest Drive corridor.

* **FM 2854 Widening (Loop 336 to FM 1488):** To the north, FM 2854 is being widened from two to four lanes, including a continuous left-turn lane, shared-use paths, and improved drainage. This $41.8 million TxDOT project commenced construction in Q1 2024, with a Q4 2026 completion target. It’s a key artery connecting western Montgomery County to the Conroe urban center and Loop 336.

* **I-45 North Main Lane Expansion (League Line Road to FM 830):** A substantial $138.8 million TxDOT project is expanding the I-45 main lanes from four to six and adding continuous frontage roads within Montgomery County. This crucial interstate upgrade, impacting thousands of daily commuters to and from Houston, began in Q4 2023, eyeing a Q4 2026 finish.

“These TxDOT projects are strategically designed to enhance the safety and mobility of our entire region,” said a TxDOT spokesperson. “By increasing capacity on our major roadways and improving connections, we are preparing for the future while delivering tangible benefits to commuters and businesses today. We understand construction can be inconvenient, but the long-term gains in reduced congestion and improved travel times will be substantial.”

**Montgomery County Leads Local Road Enhancements**

Montgomery County is also making significant investments through its precinct-led initiatives, funded by local bond programs:

* **Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Phase 1B (Woodforest Parkway to Old Pearsall Road):** Montgomery County Precinct 2 is constructing this $17.6 million effort, which broke ground in January 2024. It involves a new four-lane concrete boulevard with open-ditch drainage and new traffic signals at Old Pearsall Road and McCaleb Road. This new corridor will alleviate pressure on existing roads and provide better access to communities like Woodforest, with completion anticipated by March 2025.

* **Robinson Road Widening, Phase 1 (Hanna Road to I-45):** Montgomery County Precinct 3’s $31.8 million project, which began in late 2023, is expanding Robinson Road from two to four lanes with a continuous center turn lane, curb and gutter, storm sewers, and shared-use paths. A new bridge over Spring Creek is also part of this critical segment. It’s expected to conclude in Q4 2026 and will significantly improve travel for residents in Oak Ridge North, Shenandoah, and Spring.

* **Robinson Road Widening, Phase 2 (I-45 to Eastern Project Limit):** Following Phase 1, this $40 million Montgomery County Precinct 3 initiative is currently in design (as of late 2023). Construction is scheduled to begin in Q2 2025, with an estimated completion in Q2 2027. The scope mirrors Phase 1, including widening to four lanes, a continuous center turn lane, drainage improvements, shared-use paths, and a Spring Creek bridge replacement.

Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack emphasized the local impact: “Robinson Road has been a bottleneck for years, and these two phases will dramatically improve flow for our constituents. Investing in our local roads is essential for safety, emergency response, and overall quality of life for families and businesses in our precinct.”

Collectively, these eight projects represent a monumental effort to modernize and expand the transportation network in one of Texas’s fastest-growing regions. While construction may bring temporary delays, the long-term vision promises a smoother, safer, and more connected Montgomery County for decades to come.

Residents can track project progress and find more detailed information on specific TxDOT projects by visiting the TxDOT website at www.txdot.gov, and for county-led initiatives, through the respective Montgomery County Precinct websites.