Support for almost $800 million in recommended road projects from TxDOT has come from Montgomery County commissioners in regard to funding from the Houston Galveston Area Council.
Approved for federal funding during the next four years, the projects are for the council’s 2023 Transportation Improvement Program.
The projects are not yet funded, according to County Judge Mark Keough. However, none of them require matching funds from Montgomery County.
The project list enumerates 16 projects in the short-, medium- and long-term categories. The work includes the restriping of Interstate 45 all the way up to a $200 million effort to widen I-45 to 12 lanes from Texas 242 to Loop 336 in Conroe.
Project work also includes the widening of FM 1488 to six lanes from 2978 to I-45 for $67 million and the new $70 million four-lane Magnolia Bypass from 1488 to Texas 249.
At a future time, commissioners will take another look at the projects to prioritize them.
A concern for moving the FM 1488 project up the list of priorities through Judge Keough in working with TxDOT was expressed by Commissioner Noack. Also regarding FM 1488, Commissioner Riley passed along concerns about mobility and safety.
Regarding the $150 million project to realign ramps on I-45 at Rayford Sawdust Road, Hardy Toll Road and Springwood Village Parkway, Commissioner Noack asked Judge Keough to put them on the list also.
