The Woodlands Marathon Traffic Guide

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon will cause some traffic delays throughout the area on March 2. Below is a traffic guided to help you get around if you must get out that Saturday morning to early afternoon. If you would like to participate in the largest sporting event in South Montgomery County you can support your Village Association by contributing to the "Village Cheer Challenge". Details on this year's Cheer Challenge will be released soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Expect 15-30 minute delays if you cross into the designated center area of the racecourse.

• When leaving your neighborhood from inside the racecourse onto Research Forest Drive or Lake Woodlands Drive, expect 5-minute delays.

RECOMMENDED COMMUTE AND DRIVING PRACTICES DURING THE EVENT:

• Only residential traffic is recommended through and around the racecourse during the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Northbound and southbound traffic recommended right of ways are Branch Crossing, Woodloch Forest and I-45 to avoid delays.

• If access is needed to your neighborhood off of Lake Woodlands or Research Forest Drive please refer to pages 4-9 for recommended travel practices.

• All businesses and neighborhoods will be accessible during the race.

NOTE: Eastbound Research Forest Drive will have all lanes closed between 6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. from Kuykendahl to Grogan’s Mill. One lane will open for eastbound traffic between 8:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

PACE CHART (time frame runners will pass locations)

The following chart projects the times and periods that runners will pass through each mile marker of the marathon and half marathon courses. You can use this to give you an idea of when roads will re-open.

MILE LOCATION TIME RANGE 0 (Start)- Six Pines/Lake Robbins- 7 a.m.-7:15 a.m.

1- Grogan’s Mill north of Lake Front Circle- 7:05 a.m.-7:21 a.m.

2- Research Forest Dr @ Township Offices- 7:10 a.m.-7:35 a.m.

3- Research Forest Dr @ Shadowbend Place- 7:15 a.m.-7:50 a.m.

4- Research Forest Dr @ Trillium East- 7:20 a.m.-8:04 a.m.

5- Research Forest Dr @ Green Bridge Dr- 7:25 a.m.-8:19 a.m.

6- Research Forest Dr @ Kuykendahl Rd- 7:30 a.m.-8:34 a.m.

7- Kuykendahl Rd bridge @ Bear Branch Reservior- 7:35 a.m.-8:49 a.m.

8- Lake Woodlands Dr just east of Kuykendahl Rd- 7:40 a.m.-9:03 a.m.

9- Lake Woodlands Dr @ Falconwing Dr- 7:45 a.m.-9:17 a.m.

10- Lake Woodlands Dr @ Gosling Rd- 7:50 a.m.-9:31 a.m.

11- Lake Woodlands Dr just west of Panther Creek E.- 7:55 a.m.-9:46 a.m.

12- Lake Woodlands Dr just west of Lake Front Circle- 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

13- Grogan’s Mill Rd @ Lake Robbins- 8:05 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

14- Grogan’s Mill north of Lake Front Circle- 8:10 a.m.-10:29 a.m.

15- Research Forest Dr @ Township Offices- 8:15 a.m.-10:44 a.m.

16- Research Forest Dr @ Shadowbend Place- 8:20 a.m.-10:59 a.m.

17- Research Forest Dr @ Trillium East- 8:25 a.m.-11:13 a.m.

18- Research Forest Dr @ Green Bridge Dr- 8:30 a.m.-11:18 a.m.

19- Research Forest Dr @ Kuykendahl Rd- 8:35 a.m.-11:32 a.m.

20- Kuykendahl Rd bridge @ Bear Branch Reservior- 8:40 a.m.-11:47 a.m.

21- Lake Woodlands Dr just east of Kuykendahl Rd- 8:45 a.m.-12:01 p.m.

22- Lake Woodlands Dr @ Falconwing Dr- 8:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

23- Lake Woodlands Dr @ Gosling Rd- 8:55 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

24- Lake Woodlands Dr just west of Panther Creek E.- 9 a.m.-12:44 p.m.

25- Lake Woodlands Dr just west of Lake Front Circle- 9:05 a.m.-12:59 p.m.

26- Grogan’s Mill Rd @ Lake Robbins- 9:10 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

SUGGESTED TRAVEL PRACTICES ON RACE DAY

• Expect 5 minute delays at intersections.

• Add 10-15 extra for your travel times.

• Map your own course prior to race day.

• Email or call with questions if you are unsure.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND BUSINESS ACCESS POINTS AND STREET OPENINGS

ZONE 1

Research Forest Drive Eastbound: Grogan’s Mill to New Trails

Grogan’s Forest, Lakeside Drive and New Trails Drive

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-7:35 a.m. (one lane opens at 7:35 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest westbound to Gosling north up to 242 and over to I-45

• Grogan’s Forest – Use Grogan’s Mill to Vision Park for I-45 access

ZONE 2

Research Forest Dr. Eastbound: New Trails to Gosling

Technology Forest Drive and Forest Crossing Drive

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. (one lane opens at 7:45 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest westbound to Gosling north up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Technology Forest and Forest Crossing Drive

• Use eastbound 242, south on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

Gosling Road and Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-7:50 a.m. (one lane opens at 7:50 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Gosling north up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Gosling and Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center

• Use eastbound 242, south on Gosling to Research Forest Drive westbound

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

ZONE 3

Research Forest Dr. Eastbound: Gosling to Cats Cradle Dr. (The Woodlands High School)

Shadowbend Place and Bear Branch Park and Sports Fields

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. (one lane opens at 7:55 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest Drive westbound to Greenbridge Drive up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Shadowbend Place and Bear Branch Park and Sport Fields

• Use eastbound 242, south on Gosling to Research Forest Drive westbound.

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

Faith Bible Church, E. Trillium Circle, W Trillium Circle and Woodlands High School

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-8:05 a.m. (one lane opens at 8:05 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest Drive westbound to Greenbridge Drive up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Faith Bible Church, E. Trillium Circle, W. Trillium Circle and The Woodlands High School

• Use eastbound 242, south on Gosling to Research Forest Drive westbound

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

ZONE 4

Research Forest Dr. Eastbound: Cats Cradle Dr. to Greenbridge Dr.

Millennium Forest Drive, Christ Church United Methodist and E. Capstone Place

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-8:12 a.m. (one lane opens at 8:12 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest Drive westbound to Greenbridge Drive up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Millennium Forest Drive, Christ Church United Methodist and E. Capstone

• Use eastbound 242, south on Gosling to Research Forest Drive westbound

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

Cochran’s Crossing, Windridge Place and Greenbridge

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-8:19 a.m. (one lane opens at 8:19 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Research Forest Drive westbound to Greenbridge Drive up to 242 and over to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Cochran’s Crossing, Windridge Place and Greenbridge

• Use eastbound 242, south on Gosling to Research Forest Drive westbound. Greenbridge Drive is fully open and accessible

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

ZONE 5

Research Forest Drive Eastbound: Greenbridge Dr to Kuykendahl Road

NOTE: Kuykendahl Road will be completely closed from 5 a.m.-12 p.m. during the event from Bay Branch to Lake Woodlands Drive.

Alden Bridge Drive east of Kuykendahl

• Eastbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-8:25 a.m. (one lane opens at 8:25 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Alden Bridge Drive north to Kuykendahl Road up to 1488, turn right to 242 and take east to I-45

• Recommended travel to access Alden Bridge Drive east of Kuykendahl

• Use Research Forest Drive westbound.

• Use eastbound Woodlands Parkway, north on I-45 to Research Forest Drive westbound

Kuykendahl northbound and southbound

• Complete closure between 5 a.m.-12 p.m. (one lane opens at 8:19 a.m.)

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forest Drive during closure

• Use Branch Crossing and Alden Bridge West to travel north around the closure

ZONE 6

KUYKENDAHL IS COMPLETELY CLOSED SOUTH OF BAY BRANCH AND NORTH OF LAKE WOODLANDS DRIVE

NOTE: Kuykendahl Road will be completely closed from 5 a.m.-12 p.m. during the event from Bay Branch to Lake Woodlands Drive.

Kuykendahl northbound and southbound

• Complete closure between 5 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Westbound traffic on Research Forest Drive is completely open

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive is completely open

• Recommended travel to Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forest Drive during closure

• Use Branch Crossing and Alden Bridge West to travel north and south around the closure

ZONE 7

Lake Woodlands Westbound Kuykendahl Rd to Falconwing/Copperknoll

NOTE: Recommend residential traffic only when traveling in these areas.

Palmer Bend and Cochran’s Crossing

• Lake Woodlands westbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Lake Woodlands Drive to a southbound artery to Woodlands Parkway and take Woodlands Parkway east to I-45

• Recommended travel to access to Palmer Bend and Cochran’s Crossing

• Use Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound or Research Forest Drive, which will have less congestion of runners after 8:30 a.m.

• Use westbound Woodlands Parkway, north on Kuykendahl to Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound.

Somerset Pond, Copperleaf and Copperknoll

• Lake Woodlands westbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Lake Woodlands Drive to a southbound artery to Woodlands Parkway and take Woodlands Parkway east to I-45

• Recommended travel to access to Somerset Pond, Copperleaf and Copperknoll

• Use westbound Woodlands Parkway, north on Cochran’s Crossing to Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound

ZONE 8

Lake Woodlands Westbound: Falconwing/Copperknoll to Gosling

NOTE: Recommend residential traffic only when traveling in these areas. Shadowbend Place and Gosling Road north access from Research Forest is fully open around 11 a.m.

Golden Shadow Circle, Shadowbend Place and Gosling

• Lake Woodlands westbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays and Research Forest Drive after 11 a.m.

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Lake Woodlands Drive to a southbound artery to Woodlands Parkway and take Woodlands Parkway east to I-45

• Take Research Forest Drive after 11 a.m.

• Recommended travel to access to Golden Shadow Circle, Shadowbend Place and Gosling

• Use Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound or Research Forest Drive, which will have less congestion of runners after 8:30 a.m.

• Use westbound Woodlands Parkway, north on Falconwing to Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound

ZONE 9

Lake Woodlands Westbound: Gosling to Lake Front Circle

NOTE: Recommend residential traffic only when traveling in these areas. Shadowbend Place and Gosling Road north access from Research Forest is fully open around 11 a.m.

W. Panther Creek, Split Rock and N. Panther Creek

• Lake Woodlands westbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays and Research Forest Drive after 11 a.m.

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Use Lake Woodlands Drive to a southbound artery to Woodlands Parkway and take Woodlands Parkway east to I-45

• Use Research Forest Drive after 11 a.m.

• Recommended travel to access to W. Panther Creek, Split Rock, N. Panther Creek

• Use Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound or Research Forest Drive, which will have less congestion of runners after 8:30 a.m.

• Use westbound Woodlands Parkway, north on W. Panther Creek to Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound

New Trails and Lakeside Blvd access to Lake Woodlands

• Lake Woodlands westbound closure between 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays and Research Forest Drive after 10:30 a.m.

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel to I-45 during closure

• Take Lake Woodlands Drive to a southbound artery to Woodlands Parkway and take Woodlands Parkway east to I-45

• Take Research Forest Drive after 10:45 a.m.

• Recommended travel to access to W. Panther Creek, Split Rock, N. Panther Creek

• Use Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound or Research Forest Drive, which will have less congestion of runners after 8:30 a.m.

• Use westbound Woodlands Parkway, north on W. Panther Creek to Lake Woodlands Drive eastbound

ZONE 10

Lake Front Circle, United Methodist Church Grogan’s Mill north of Lake Woodlands

NOTE: Lake Front Circle eastbound between Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill Road will be completely closed. Northbound Grogan’s Mill from Lake Robbins to Lake Front Circle will be closed.

Lake Front Circle, United Methodist Church and Grogan’s Mill

• Lake Front Circle westbound between Six Pines and Grogan’s Mill Road closure between 7 a.m.-7:15 a.m.

• One westbound lane will open between Six Pines and Grogan’s Mill at 7:15 a.m.

• Lake Front Circle westbound to church parking lots will have access

• Grogan’s Mill southbound will be fully operational with delays due to race traffic.

• Use Woodlands Parkway to travel east and west to avoid timely delays and Research Forest Drive westbound to Grogan’s Mill southbound

• Eastbound traffic on Lake Woodlands Drive completely open

• Recommended travel in these areas

• Avoid traveling in these areas unless you need access to businesses or the church

• Avoid traveling west on Lake Woodlands unless accessing Market Street

• To access the United Methodist Church, use Woodlands Parkway eastbound to E. Panther Creek to Lake Woodlands eastbound

• Use Six Pines Drive to travel north to Research Forest Drive if south of Timberloch Drive

ZONE 11

Lake Robbins, Market Street and Grogan’s Mill south of Lake Woodlands

NOTE: Lake Front Circle eastbound between Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill Road will be completely closed. Northbound Grogan’s Mill from Lake Robbins to Lake Front Circle will be closed.

Lake Robbins Drive

• Lake Robbins Drive eastbound lane from Town Green Park to Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Driveway will be closed Friday, March 1st starting at 12 p.m. and reopen Saturday, March 2nd at 2 p.m.

• Lake Robbins Drive eastbound and westbound from Grogan’s Mill to Six Pines will be completely closed Saturday, March 2nd from 4 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Avoid traveling in this area during the above times

Market Street

• Access points will be Six Pines entrance and north entrances from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• South entrances will open between 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Grogan’s Mill Road Northbound Timberloch to Research Forest Drive

• No thru traffic permitted

• Complete closure north of Lake Robbins Drive from 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Use Timberloch Drive to Six Pines Drive to access Market Street and travel to Research Forest Drive