The Woodlands | April 2023

TRANSPORTATION TxDOT releases new project scope for Hwy. 242 expansion

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

connecting the Windvale and Harper’s Preserve neighborhoods in The Woodlands are no longer in the proposal due to concerns from residents regarding the structure of the paths and expansion of Hwy. 242, according to TxDOT ocials. Todd Stephens, intergovernmental relations director for the township, and township Board Vice Chair Kyle Watson are leading a task force look- ing at ways to connect the project to current path structure in The Woodlands, according to township ocials and TxDOT. Maintaining local character Chief Operating Ocer Chris Nunes said township ocials have reached out to discuss “Woodlandsifying” the project to ensure it is in line with the current design standards in The Woodlands, especially concerning landscaping and pedestrian-friendly zones. Based on current discussions between the township and TxDOT, Nunes said TxDOT has agreed to pay for the cost of landscaping materials and labor as long as the township provides funding for the design of the landscaping. The costs of the projects have not yet been established, he said. “We have had communication with TxDOT about ‘Woodlandsify- ing’ whatever is going to be put in because we believe our community’s special touches, which have been done over the course of the last 50 years to keep The Woodlands the way it is, is something we want to continue,” Nunes said.

CHANGING VISION FOR HWY. 242

Texas Department of Transportation ocials unveiled a new design plan for Hwy. 242 from FM 1488 to I-45 at a public meeting March 9, including the potential for wider turn lanes at intersections, curbed medians and 10.74 acres of land set aside for detention ponds. The public comment period for the public hearing ended March 24, which means TxDOT is moving forward on nalizing project plans with the collected feedback. Construction is expected to begin in October, but it is subject to change depending on any nal design changes and weather conditions, according to ocials. The project is fully funded by the state for $29 million, and the projected timeframe for completion is 18 months once construction begins, according to TxDOT ocials. Changes to plan The revised proposal no longer requires additional right of way for lane expansion. Instead, it relies on the existing right of way along Hwy. 242 to make room for slight widening and restriping of intersections. TxDOT would need to purchase 10.74 acres of new right of way adjacent to Hwy. 242 for the proposed project, according to TxDOT ocials at the meeting. The land would be used for three detention ponds, and no commercial or residential proper- ties would be displaced as a result of the pond construction, according to meeting materials. Additional shared-use paths

After hearing public comment opposing its proposed plans, TxDOT now plans to use existing right of way to widen Hwy. 242.

Key:

Right of way

Shoulder

Median

Proposed curb

Current typical eastbound section of Hwy. 242

Revised proposal for typical eastbound section of Hwy. 242

12-feet wide

14-feet wide

14-feet wide 14-feet wide

11-feet wide

Original plan: • Additional lanes added in both directions • Raised median • Shared-use path • 10.74 acres of detention ponds Revised plan adopted March 24: • Expanding existing right of way • Restriping intersections to improve trac • Curbs along median • 10.74 acres of detention ponds

1488

242

GOSLING RD.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

8430 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389

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