Montgomery County pursues $480 million road bond From the cover
Zooming out
The big picture
The bond will also allocate funds toward major projects to improve traffic flow outside of The Woodlands Township, east of I-45. Noted as the top priority on the project list by Wheeler’s office, the Townsen Boulevard extension will connect the existing road through the Woodson’s Reserve community to Rayford Road, providing an additional access and exit point for residents in the area. The Precinct 3 project plan also includes widening Robinson Road east of Hanna Road from the Oak Ridge North city boundary to Imperial Oaks Drive. “We are pleased to see Commissioner Wheeler advancing this much-needed project, ensuring that traffic flow and mobility continue to improve for residents and businesses in the area,” Heather Neeley, city manager for Oak Ridge North, said. “This expansion is a significant step forward in enhancing regional connectivity and addressing long-standing transportation needs.” The other major project planned involves reconstructing dedicated right-hand turn lanes at the intersections of Rayford Road at the Grand Parkway and the intersections of Birnham Woods Drive at the Grand Parkway. According to county officials, there is also the opportunity for federal and state funds to help cover the cost of the project through the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
for the issuance of $120 million a year in debt using the county’s current funding collections. “We’re not just using this money for the next three years; we’re using it for the next stage, which is 15-20 years,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler said during a Jan. 31 workshop. According to the project list, which was compiled by Wheeler’s o ce and LJA Engineering, the majority of projects within The Woodlands will focus on replacing and repaving shoulders along major thoroughfares as well as making intersection improvements to add or extend turn lanes. However, there is no individual cost estimate as of press time for the projects. Also on the list is a project to replace the bridge on Sawdust Road over Panther Branch Creek. The bridge previously sustained water damage due to repeated ooding events.
Montgomery County commissioners agreed Feb. 11 to put a $480 million road bond referendum before voters in the May 3 election. Funds will be divided among the four commissioner precincts, meaning The Woodlands area will receive $120 million over the next ve years to complete 26 projects across Precinct 3. The referendum will be the rst bond sent to the voters by the county in 10 years. The last bond was held in 2015 for $280 million, and it went before voters in the May and November elections before being passed. John Robuck, managing partner at BOK Financials, the county’s bond counsel, said the bond initiative should not result in a property tax increase if it is approved by voters. Robuck said this is because the county lowered its debt service over the last several years to allow
Precinct 3 bond projects
Shoulder replacements
Intersection improvements
Road construction projects
1488
45
GREEN BRIDGE DR.
2978
242
VISION PARK BLVD.
WOODLANDS PKWY.
COCHRANS CROSSING DR.
D
East of I-45 Three major projects are planned east of I-45 in Precinct 3.
RESEARCH FOREST DR.
LAKE WOODLANDS DR.
GROGANS MILL RD.
BRANCH CROSSING DR.
Shoulder replacements
E. PANTHER CREEK DR.
LAKE WOODLANDS
Intersection improvements
FLINTRIDGE DR.
45
S. MILLBEND DR.
ROBINSON RD.
BIRNHAM WOODS DR.
IMPERIAL OAKS BLVD.
TOWNSEN BLVD.
99 TOLL
A bridge on Sawdust Road will be replaced.
N
N
SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, LJA ENGINEERING COMMUNITY IMPACT
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