The Woodlands McDaniel Parkway Final Phase Starts

**McDaniel Parkway Extension Enters Final Phase, Promising Major Traffic Relief for The Woodlands**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX – October 20, 2023** – After years of planning and phased development, The Woodlands is finally on the verge of completing a crucial piece of its infrastructure puzzle. Construction is set to officially kick off on **Monday, October 23, 2023**, for Phase 3 of the long-anticipated McDaniel Parkway Extension project, marking the final leg of a 3.8-mile arterial road designed to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the rapidly growing community.

This upcoming 1.3-mile segment is pivotal, connecting the existing McDaniel Parkway at West Trillium Circle and extending eastward to Branch Crossing Drive, strategically positioned near its intersection with Research Forest Drive. Once complete, this new four-lane concrete boulevard will establish a vital east-west thoroughfare, offering residents an alternative route and aiming to ease the notorious bottlenecks on Woodlands Parkway and Research Forest Drive.

Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley emphasized the long-term benefits for commuters. “This isn’t just about building a road; it’s about improving the quality of life for our residents,” Commissioner Riley stated. “We’ve seen the traffic challenges grow with our community, and McDaniel Parkway is a strategic investment in a more efficient and less stressful daily commute. Getting this final phase underway is a significant milestone we’ve all been working towards.”

The $13.7 million Phase 3 is fully funded by Montgomery County Road and Bridge Precinct 2, underscoring the county’s commitment to regional mobility improvements. ISI Contracting, Inc. has been awarded the contract for this phase, with an estimated 18-month construction timeline. Residents can anticipate completion sometime in early 2025. While construction may bring temporary localized disruptions, officials stress the long-term benefits will far outweigh these inconveniences.

The entire McDaniel Parkway project has been a multi-year, collaborative effort. Phase 1, a 1.4-mile stretch costing $12.3 million, was completed in 2017. This was followed by Phase 2, an 1.1-mile segment totaling $9 million, which wrapped up in 2021. Both earlier phases were funded through a partnership between The Woodlands Township and Precinct 2, showcasing the inter-local commitment to the project.

The Woodlands Township Chairman Ann Snyder echoed Commissioner Riley’s sentiments, highlighting the project’s importance for the community’s future. “The completion of McDaniel Parkway represents a major infrastructure enhancement that will strengthen connectivity across The Woodlands,” Chairman Snyder said. “It’s a testament to effective planning and inter-agency cooperation, directly addressing the needs of our residents and preparing our community for continued growth.”

The Montgomery County Engineer’s Office is providing oversight for the entire project, ensuring adherence to design specifications and timely completion. Initial traffic studies, which first identified the need for additional east-west connectors years ago, projected significant relief to existing arterial roads once McDaniel Parkway becomes fully operational.

Upon the expected early 2025 completion of Phase 3, the entire McDaniel Parkway will span 3.8 miles, realizing a vision first discussed over a decade ago to better manage traffic flow in one of the region’s busiest corridors. This final push is expected to dramatically enhance the daily travel experience for thousands of Woodlands residents and visitors.

For more information on county road projects, visit the Montgomery County Precinct 2 website [https://precinct2.org/](https://precinct2.org/) or The Woodlands Township website [https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/](https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/).