From the cover
A road map for Tomball's future
Put in perspective
Transportation
Traffic in Tomball has risen as new development fills in around the city. Average daily counts jumped 73% along Hwy. 249 south of FM 2920 between 2021 and 2024, with smaller increases across FM 2920 and Business 249, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those numbers reflect Tomball’s fast-paced growth, Rogers said. Between 2010-2022, the city’s population rose 26.8%, according to city data. “The city has seen increased traffic ... as new neighborhoods and businesses open,” she said. Briggs said that’s a regional trend. “Improved transportation in arterials will bring people to areas that prior had not been accessible,” Briggs said.
The thoroughfare plan identifies high-priority corridors, including FM 2920, Business 249 and Boudreaux Road. North Houston Association President Marlisa Briggs said Tomball’s planning helps strengthen the region’s mobility network. “When [the Houston-Galveston Area Council] produces its long-range plans, they seek out things like [the comprehensive plan],” she said. “So it not only helps Tomball locally, but it also helps regionally.” Quinn said mobility improvements are about maintaining access and identity.
As Tomball grows, transportation remains one of the city’s biggest challenges and opportunities, Mayor Lori Klein Quinn said. The new comprehensive plan has an updated Major Thoroughfare Plan, with 11 proposed road connections and extensions designed to reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance connectivity. The plan’s transportation element builds on public feedback, Rogers said. “People consistently told us they wanted better flow through downtown and safer options for walking and biking,” she said.
ROAD PROJECTS Proposed There are 11 proposed projects included in the new comprehensive plan.
Average traffic counts along Tomball-area roads
249
Hwy. 249 south of FM 2920
ZION RD.
FM 2920 east of Oak Street Business 249 south of Medical Complex Drive FM 2978 north of FM 2920
Major arterial: typically 100 feet of right of way; designed to manage high- speed vehicular traffic Minor arterial: typically 80 feet of right of way; distributes traffic from major arterials to collector streets and often has lower speed limits than major arterials Collector: typically 70 feet of right of way; moves traffic from local streets to the arterial network
40K
BROWN RD.
WINFREY LN.
30K
TIMKIN RD.
MAHAFFEY RD.
2920
20K
C O M
Percentage increases between 2021-2024:
COMMERCIAL PARK. RD.
PITCHFORD RD.
10K
THEIS LN.
+73.53% +13.13%
+23.88% +17.26%
SCHOOL ST.
NOTE: THIS MAP IS AN ESTIMATION OF THE PROPOSED ROADS’ ROUTES, AND RIGHT OF WAY REFERS TO THE LAND OVER WHICH A PUBLIC ROAD IS BUILT. SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
0
HUMBLE RD.
2021
2022
2023
2024
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Also of note
“It’s a fun, practical way to move people without adding traffic,” she said. “A trolley would tie together our festivals, shops and restaurants in a way that really fits Tomball’s identity.” Residents supported these options throughout the planning process, Community Development Director Craig Meyers said. “People wanted to feel safe walking to dinner or festivals,” he said. “The more connected our sidewalks and trails are, the more people will use them.”
Tomball’s multimodal approach aligns with regional goals, Briggs said. “As an area gets more and more congested—and especially Tomball, with events like German Fest bringing in 40,000 visitors—that is huge,” Briggs said. “Anytime you have that many people in one space, if you can offer something like a circulator or a trolley system to help move those people around safely and efficiently, it’s always a benefit.” Quinn said she envisions a trolley as part of the city’s small-town charm and economic strategy.
Beyond roads, the comprehensive plan lays out a vision for mobility that includes more than cars—expanding sidewalks, trail networks and alternative transit. One focus is a potential trolley connecting Old Town, the Depot Plaza and nearby parking areas. However, Quinn said her vision is to connect the whole town. The city has explored partnerships through the Tomball Economic Development Corp. to apply for grant funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council for a trolley feasibility study, Quinn said.
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