Old Conroe Road Closure Study Approved

**Old Conroe Road Closure Saga Continues: Montgomery County Pursues New Traffic Study Amid Resident Push for Safety**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – The long-running and often contentious debate over closing a 1.2-mile segment of Old Conroe Road in Montgomery County is far from over, with county officials now initiating a new, comprehensive traffic and engineering study to guide future decisions. The stretch, which acts as a shortcut between FM 2854 and Old Plantersville Road, particularly impacting residential communities like Lake Conroe Hills, remains a focal point for both concerned residents and county leaders.

For years, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and numerous local residents have advocated for the abandonment and closure of this specific section of Old Conroe Road. Their primary concern stems from the road’s transformation from a quiet neighborhood street, established as a public right-of-way in the 1920s, into a high-volume cut-through. Drivers frequently utilize it to bypass congestion on major arteries like I-45 and Loop 336, leading to increased traffic, speeding vehicles, a heightened risk of accidents, and a general disruption to the quality of life within these residential areas. Residents consistently cite safety concerns for children, pedestrians, and property values as key motivators for the closure.

This marks the county’s second significant attempt to address the issue. In November 2017, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court initially voted to abandon the 1.2-mile segment. However, that decision was quickly challenged in court. A group of property owners along the road filed a lawsuit in 2018, arguing that the county had failed to follow proper procedures for abandonment, specifically regarding adequate notice to affected landowners as stipulated by Chapter 251 of the Texas Transportation Code. The 9th Court of Appeals sided with the property owners in May 2020, effectively overturning the county’s abandonment order and ensuring the road remained open.

Undeterred by the previous legal setback, Commissioner Riley brought the issue back before the Commissioners Court in November 2023, reiterating the persistent safety hazards and community concerns. On December 12, 2023, the Commissioners Court unanimously approved moving forward with a new, independent traffic and engineering study.

This critical study, projected to cost approximately $40,000, is designed to gather robust and legally defensible data. It will analyze current traffic volumes on Old Conroe Road, assess the potential impact of a closure on surrounding routes such as FM 2854, I-45, and other local thoroughfares, and evaluate emergency vehicle access in the event of an abandonment. The hope is that this new, comprehensive data will provide a clearer, legally sound pathway forward for the county to either successfully abandon the road segment or explore alternative solutions.

Residents in Lake Conroe Hills continue to advocate passionately for the closure, emphasizing the need to restore peace and safety to their community. “This road has become a drag strip through our homes,” one resident expressed at a recent community meeting. “We just want our neighborhood back.” While proponents highlight safety and neighborhood tranquility, those who have previously challenged the closure have raised concerns about access rights, potential inconvenience, and the impact on property values should the road be permanently closed, advocating for a balanced approach to traffic management that considers all affected parties.

The results of the independent study are eagerly anticipated and will be crucial in determining the next steps for Montgomery County regarding Old Conroe Road. For now, the fate of the 1.2-mile stretch hangs in the balance, with residents and county officials alike awaiting the findings that will shape the future of this contested shortcut.