The Woodlands | March 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Montgomery County, Shenandoah & The Woodlands

Hwy. 242 proposal sees updates since 2022

Restrooms planned at Capstone, Sundance parks

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

The initial proposal to construct an additional lane on either side of Hwy. 242 was altered after receiving public comments opposing the idea. The new design proposal now uses only existing right of way to make turn lane improvements to 13 intersections along the corridor. It also includes a raised curb median and roughly 11 acres of deten- tion pond facilities, according to TxDOT. Based on discussions, Chris Nunes, The Woodlands’ chief operating officer, said TxDOT has agreed to pay for the cost of landscaping materials and labor, while the township funds the design of the landscap- ing. The costs of the projects have not yet been established, he said. The public comment period extends to March 24. The initial proposal also included a pathway alongside sound barriers, but since the revised proposal does not include the new lanes, the sound barriers were deemed unnecessary and removed from the project scope, according to TxDOT. However, a TxDOT grant program could help fund pedes- trian-friendly pathways around Hwy. 242, according to Nunes.

THE WOODLANDS A proposed Hwy. 242 expansion project from FM 1488 to I-45 is being updated in accordance with local feedback as the Texas Department of Trans- portation prepares for a new round of public hearings on a revised design. Prospective improvements on Hwy. 242 between FM 1488 and I-45 have been updated in accordance with local feedback. AN EVOLVING PROPOSAL

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

THE WOODLANDS Plans for park renovations were approved by The Woodlands Township board of directors during the Feb. 16 regular board meeting after discussing resident concerns about the projects. The board voted 6-1 in favor of constructing restroom facilities at Capstone and Sundance parks in the villages of Cochran’s Crossing and Alden Bridge after reviewing resident feedback regarding possible vandalization and misuse of the public restrooms. The restroom facilities at the area parks would be roughly 252 square feet in size and cost $604,018 to build, according to information from the township. FACILITIES FINANCED Restrooms are planned at Capstone and Sundance parks.

1488

GREEN BRIDGE DR.

242

SUNDANCE DR.

New Hwy. 242 proposal includes: • Turn lane improvements at 13 intersections using existing right of way • Raised curb median • 11 acres of detention ponds

SUNDANCE PARK

CAPSTONE CIR.

RESEARCH FOREST DR.

CAPSTONE PARK

BRANCH CROSSING DR.

SOURCE: THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM