Road construction updates in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Traffic on the Woodlands Parkway and at the junction of I-45N and SH 242, continues to plague Woodlands residents, especially during foul weather or traffic accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Woodlands Parkway expansion is approximately 40 percent complete (39.8 percent to be exact.) Inclement weather continues to exacerbate the construction process though. Menade, Inc., the construction company, has given TxDOT a completion date of Spring 2014.

The first phase of the SH 242 Flyover construction is almost complete. The first phase was widening the eastbound side of the project and shifting traffic to the westbound side. Phase 2 should begin in the next few weeks according to TxDOT. The second phase will widen the westbound side and shift all traffic to the east. The original estimated completion for the flyover ramp was November 2014. Woodlands Online is currently pending an update from TxDOT on the percentage of completion, and to verify if the final completion date is still has changed.

The construction on Research Forest with the pipeline being installed by the San Jacinto River Authority for the Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP), is in various stages of completion. The earliest segments (W1A) at the intersection of FM 2978 and Research Forest Dr., and Research Forest heading east (W4), are both due for completion May 2014. The last phase (W3B) Pruitt Road to Rayford Road, is targeted for completion May 2015. 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 website can be accessed at SJRA GRP Construction and Traffic Updates. Also reference The Woodlands Township’s website at Major Roadway and Utility Construction.

In the not too distant future, ‘Operation Texxon’ will ensue with ExxonMobil moving into their new complex south of The Woodlands. This influx in addition to many construction projects, and the onslaught of winter weather, is creating the ‘Perfect Storm.’ To weather the storm, seek alternate routes, plan additional travel time into your schedule, travel at off-peak traffic times (if possible), and use alternate means of transportation to navigate The Woodlands. Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for future construction updates.