Old Conroe Road Closure for Widening Project Begins

**Old Conroe Road to Close Fully Monday for 2.5-Year Widening Project, Major Detours Expected**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – July 3, 2024** – Drivers in Montgomery County, particularly those traversing the increasingly busy corridor near Old Conroe Road, are bracing for significant changes as a major road construction project is set to begin Monday, July 8. A 2.5-mile stretch of Old Conroe Road will undergo a complete closure to all through traffic, a condition anticipated to last until late 2025, with the entire project targeting completion by early 2026.

The affected segment of Old Conroe Road runs between FM 3083 and the entrance to The Highlands subdivision. This extensive closure is necessary to facilitate a massive $21.5 million construction initiative aimed at transforming the current two-lane road into a four-lane thoroughfare, with future plans for expansion to six lanes.

Beyond increased capacity, the project promises crucial infrastructure improvements. Residents can expect enhanced drainage systems to mitigate flooding, the addition of much-needed turn lanes to improve traffic flow and safety, and the introduction of new sidewalks and dedicated bike paths, significantly boosting multi-modal safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

The initiative is a critical component of Montgomery County’s broader mobility strategy, directly addressing the escalating congestion and safety concerns that have plagued the rapidly developing area. The county has seen explosive growth, making upgrades to key arteries like Old Conroe Road essential for current and future residents.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley emphasized the necessity of the full closure. “We understand that completely closing this road will be a significant inconvenience and a major headache for our residents,” Commissioner Riley stated. “However, after careful consideration, we determined that this approach is the safest and most efficient way to complete this critical infrastructure project. The long-term benefits in terms of enhanced safety and improved traffic flow for everyone will be well worth the temporary disruption.”

The closure will particularly impact residents of burgeoning communities such as The Highlands, Montgomery Creek, and Stillwater, as well as the daily operations of Willis ISD, whose bus routes and parent drop-offs will need to be rerouted.

**Detour Information and Emergency Services Preparedness**

Drivers accustomed to using Old Conroe Road will need to plan for substantial detours. Primary alternative routes will funnel traffic onto FM 3083, providing connections to major highways including I-45 and Highway 105. Motorists are strongly advised to allow for extra travel time, especially during peak hours, and to explore alternative routes in advance.

County officials have confirmed that emergency services, including fire, police, and EMS, have been fully briefed on the closure and have developed comprehensive plans to ensure continued timely response to incidents within the affected area and surrounding communities. Residents are encouraged to check local county websites and traffic alerts for updated detour maps and specific route guidance as the project progresses.

**Project Background and Timeline**

This vital infrastructure upgrade has been years in the making. Montgomery County voters initially approved bond funds for road improvements of this nature in 2015, signaling a clear community demand for better transportation infrastructure. The design phase for this specific segment of Old Conroe Road commenced in 2019, meticulously planning for the demands of future growth. The Montgomery County Commissioners Court officially gave the green light for construction to begin in May of this year, setting the stage for next week’s closure.

Residents seeking more information on the Old Conroe Road project, including detailed detour maps and progress updates, are encouraged to visit the Montgomery County Precinct 2 website or the county’s engineering department portal at [Link to Montgomery County Engineering/Precinct 2 page – placeholder].

Local officials urge patience and cooperation from the public during this extensive construction period, reminding residents that the long-term goal is a safer, more efficient, and modern transportation corridor for one of the county’s fastest-growing regions.