Mont. Co. Approves $17.5M for Road Projects

Montgomery County Approves $17.5M for Key Road Projects, Advancing I-45 Direct Connectors and Gosling Road Expansion

**CONROE, TX – May 28, 2024** – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court today unanimously approved a significant investment of $17.5 million for two critical road infrastructure projects, addressing pressing traffic demands and future growth across the county. The funds, drawn from voter-approved bond series, aim to alleviate congestion on a major interstate and expand a vital local artery.

The decision came during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, following discussions that highlighted the region’s continued rapid population and economic expansion.

**I-45/TX-242 Direct Connectors Secure Additional $7.5 Million**

A major portion of the allocation, $7.5 million, was approved from the General Obligation (GO) Bond Series 2024. This sum represents the county’s latest contribution towards right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation necessary for the construction of new direct connectors at the intersection of TX-242 and Interstate 45.

This project is part of a larger, long-anticipated initiative spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which has an estimated overall cost of approximately $300 million. The direct connectors themselves account for an estimated $160 million of this total.

County Judge Mark Keough emphasized the importance of the county’s continued partnership with TxDOT on projects of this scale. “The TX-242 and I-45 interchange is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in our county, a true choke point that affects thousands of commuters daily,” Judge Keough stated. “These direct connectors are not just about easing congestion; they are about improving safety and ensuring our residents can move efficiently through our community. Our continued investment underscores our commitment to a robust transportation network.”

This $7.5 million is an additional commitment to a project for which the county had already pledged $12.5 million from a 2015 road bond in 2022, bringing Montgomery County’s total investment in this specific TxDOT project to $20 million. Discussions regarding this vital interchange have been ongoing for several years, with the Commissioners Court having reviewed updates as recently as November 2023.

Once completed, the direct connectors are expected to significantly reduce weaving traffic, improve overall safety, and enhance mobility for drivers traveling between I-45 and TX-242, particularly those accessing The Woodlands and Conroe areas.

**Gosling Road Segment 3 Expansion Receives $10 Million Boost**

In a separate but equally impactful decision, the Commissioners Court allocated $10 million from the 2021 Road Bond for the Gosling Road (Segment 3) project. This crucial stretch of roadway runs from just south of Spring Creek north to the Grand Parkway (SH 99) in Precinct 3.

The project aims to transform the existing two-lane asphalt road into a modern, four-lane concrete thoroughfare. The planned upgrades are comprehensive, including the addition of a raised median for improved safety, enhanced drainage systems, new sidewalks to boost pedestrian connectivity, and updated traffic signals to manage increasing volumes.

Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack highlighted the immediate and long-term benefits of the Gosling Road expansion. “Gosling Road is a primary north-south artery for residents in southern Montgomery County, providing direct access to schools, businesses, and essential services,” Commissioner Noack said. “This $10 million allocation is a critical step in taking this project from concept to construction, ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the remarkable growth we’re experiencing. Residents will see a dramatic improvement in both traffic flow and safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.”

The overall cost for the Gosling Road Segment 3 project was previously estimated around $35 million. While the $10 million approved today represents a significant portion of the funding, the county will continue to explore additional resources and partnerships to fully fund and complete the project.

Construction for the Gosling Road expansion is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2025, with an estimated completion timeline of 24 to 30 months once work commences. The upgrades are anticipated to dramatically improve travel times, reduce congestion, and provide safer passage for the thousands of vehicles and pedestrians that utilize Gosling Road daily.

Both projects underscore Montgomery County’s ongoing commitment to strategically investing in its transportation infrastructure to support its rapidly expanding population and maintain the quality of life for its residents. Further details on these projects, including timelines and future public engagement opportunities, can be found on the Montgomery County website and TxDOT’s Houston District project pages.