If you’re driving around The Woodlands as of late, you’ve probably noticed the traffic cropping up around various construction sites.  Although the San Jacinto River Authority’s Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP) Waterline Project title is pretty long, there is an end in sight for the construction.  The projected timeline contains a multiphase plan that will be completed in stages starting around the intersection of FM 2978 and Research Forest Dr. and Research Forest heading east (both due May 2014), and the last phase Pruitt Road to Rayford Road to be finished in May 2015.

The necessity for this project stems from the Montgomery County’s public demand for water.  Previously, the water demand exceeded the sustainable recharge rate by about thirty percent, but the changes brought on by this project promise to make water both more available and accessible.

Charles Cobb, the Operations Manager for the Count Road Commissioner’s Office, Precinct 2, said, ” The majority of the road construction is due to the San Jacinto River Authority’s GRP Waterline Project. They have dedicated people handling the updates and a hotline to keep the community updated on the road construction.  We’re currently refining traffic signals for the redirected traffic, in fact, we had a crew out late last night.”

The Roadway Construction and Traffic in The Woodlands article lists the ” The San Jacinto River Authority website is the most authoritative source for updated information. Maps are provided with current traffic updates, and construction sites. By clicking on specific areas of the county, completion dates are provided on the construction phases.”

The GRP Waterline Project is not the only construction project in The Woodlands at the moment.  The Woodlands Parkway is being widened from four to six lanes from Grogan’s Mill Road to East Panther Creek Drive to better future traffic, and is controlled by the Texas Department of Transportation.  Initially projected to finish in December 2014, the project completion date has been pushed up to February  2014 instead, ahead of schedule.  Perusing the Major Roadway and Utility Construction Page on The Woodlands Township’s website can help you find updates on both projects.

Lastly, the SH 242 flyover project is estimated to be finished November of 2014, according to a survey taken in July.  When this particular plan is finished, it will help lessen traffic throughout The Woodlands too.

Of course, it is not only the construction that’s increasing traffic, but also the growth in population here, but that’s a sign of a healthy city.  With the Exxon headquarters moving in down the street, the birth of Grand Texas the new amusement park around the corner, and our usual city growth, The Woodlands can expect more traffic.  However, with these projects underway, future driving conditions are being improved.

To get you through the transition period, though, here are some helpful tips.  Planning ahead is always smart: include extra time in your travels and be aware of alternate routes.  It can also help to travel at off-peak travel times and or use other means of transportation around the city.  Doing your research on projects and projected updates can also help you plan your travels around The Woodlands.

Keep an eye out for new and improved roadways in our ever growing city!

Article Citation:  (October 11, 2013).  Roadway construction and traffic in The Woodlands.  Woodlands Online.  Retrieved November 10, 2013 from: http://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=51158.
Picture Citation:  http://thewoodlandstamarac.com/road-construction-at-sago-palm-entrance-oct-22/