TxDOT Gathers Input on FM 830 Road Expansion

**TxDOT Moves Forward with $22 Million FM 830 Expansion as Lake Conroe Area Prepares for Growth**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – February 19, 2026** – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) took a significant step in addressing escalating traffic and safety concerns in the burgeoning Lake Conroe region last Monday, holding a key public hearing on the proposed $22 million expansion of FM 830. Residents and stakeholders packed the Montgomery County venue, offering a range of feedback on the vital project designed to transform a 3.8-mile stretch of the road.

The proposed overhaul focuses on the segment of FM 830 running from west of I-45 to east of Lake Conroe Hills Drive. Plans call for widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway into a four-lane divided thoroughfare, incorporating either a continuous left-turn lane or a raised median, depending on the specific section. Beyond increased capacity, the project also features a comprehensive new storm sewer system, sidewalks, and shared-use paths to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, alongside critical intersection improvements at North Lake Conroe Parkway/FM 830 and Teas Nursery Road.

This substantial upgrade is a direct response to the unprecedented population surge and corresponding traffic increases in the Lake Conroe area. TxDOT data reveals current daily traffic counts on FM 830 hover around 17,000 vehicles, a number projected to skyrocket to 26,000 by 2043. The agency asserts the expansion is essential to accommodate this anticipated growth and enhance commuter flow for the thousands who call the rapidly developing area home or visit its popular recreational amenities.

“The Lake Conroe corridor has experienced tremendous growth, putting immense pressure on our existing infrastructure,” stated Sarah Jenkins, TxDOT Houston District Public Information Officer. “This project is not just about adding lanes; it’s about improving safety, reducing congestion, and ensuring the long-term mobility needs of this community are met as it continues to expand.”

During the emotionally charged public hearing, community members voiced a variety of concerns. A primary topic of discussion revolved around potential property acquisitions. While TxDOT emphasizes its commitment to minimizing impacts, some residents along the corridor expressed anxiety over the possibility of their homes or businesses being affected, as well as the process for fair compensation.

“We understand the need for better roads, but for many of us, our homes are our biggest investment,” commented Martha Rodriguez, a resident of the Lake Conroe Hills community, during the public forum. “We want assurances that TxDOT will work closely with affected property owners to ensure a transparent and equitable process.”

Other concerns raised included specific access point modifications, which could alter how residents and businesses enter and exit FM 830, potential environmental impacts on local ecosystems and water quality draining into Lake Conroe, and the broader project timeline, which could mean years of construction disruption for local businesses.

Robert Davis, P.E., TxDOT’s Project Manager for the FM 830 expansion, assured attendees that all public input would be thoroughly reviewed. “Public feedback is invaluable to this process,” Davis said. “We are committed to considering all comments and making adjustments where feasible to best serve the community while achieving the critical safety and mobility goals of the project.”

The project aligns with long-range transportation plans for the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and is primarily funded through state and federal transportation programs.

The official comment period for the FM 830 expansion project remains open until March 15, 2026. Residents and stakeholders who were unable to attend the hearing can still submit their feedback online through the project’s dedicated webpage or via mail to TxDOT. Details on how to submit comments are available on the TxDOT Houston District website.

As it stands, construction on the FM 830 expansion is projected to begin in early 2028, with an estimated completion date in late 2030, promising several years of construction activity for the rapidly developing region.

For more information on the FM 830 expansion project and to submit comments, please visit the TxDOT Houston District website at www.txdot.gov/projects/houston-district/fm830.