Montgomery County Revives Old Conroe Road Extension

**Montgomery County Takes Full Control of Old Conroe Road Extension After City Withdrawal**

**CONROE, TX – April 11, 2024** – Montgomery County has officially stepped in to revive the long-delayed Old Conroe Road extension, a critical infrastructure project that had been shelved after the City of Conroe pulled out last September. The Montgomery County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on April 9, 2024, to take full control of the crucial 3.4-mile north-south connector, emphasizing its importance for regional mobility.

The extension aims to connect the existing Old Conroe Road section south of I-45 northward to FM 1488, creating a vital alternate route for thousands of daily commuters. This strategic roadway is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion on the perpetually busy Interstate 45 corridor and on Frazier Street, particularly benefiting residents and commuters traveling to and from rapidly growing areas like Grand Central Park and The Woodlands.

The estimated $18 million project was initially conceived as a joint effort between the City of Conroe and Montgomery County. However, that partnership dissolved when the Conroe City Council voted 3-2 in September 2023 to withdraw from the agreement. Council members at the time cited concerns about potential increases in traffic on existing city streets and what they perceived as limited direct access benefits for the city itself.

Now, Montgomery County will lead the charge, fully funding the public portion of the project. The county plans to allocate $7.5 million from its voter-approved 2015 road bond, supplemented by an additional $3.5 million from Precinct 2 road funds, bringing the county’s direct contribution to $11 million.

The remaining $7 million needed for the project is expected to come from private developer contributions. Key stakeholders, including Johnson Development Corp. and The Woodlands Land Development Company, have committed to contributing, recognizing the substantial benefits the improved access will bring to their respective developments and the surrounding areas.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley has been a vocal proponent of the project and emphasized the county’s unwavering commitment to seeing it through to completion. “This road is absolutely essential for our community’s growth and for easing the daily burden on our residents,” Riley stated after the vote. “While we were disappointed by the city’s decision to withdraw, the county understands the urgent need for this connector, and we are prepared to move forward independently to get it built.”

The Commissioners Court’s decision marks a significant step towards finally advancing a project deemed critical for managing Montgomery County’s explosive growth and improving the quality of life for its residents. The county will now move forward with design and engineering phases, with construction timelines to be finalized as the project progresses.