Amid rapid growth and increasing infrastructure demands, the City of Conroe is inviting residents to help shape its future governance while moving forward with over $1 million in traffic signal upgrades at two major intersections.
In light of the city's rapid population growth and increasing financial pressures, the City of Conroe is seeking community input on potential adjustments to its governing framework.
City officials are exploring changes to the municipal charter, which may include a possible transition to a council-manager system of governance. The city is set to host its second town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the Conroe City Council chambers located at 300 West Davis Street, aiming to foster public involvement in the process.
The initiative for charter revisions arises as Conroe’s leadership aims to maintain alignment with changing state regulations and enhance the city’s capacity for sustained administrative effectiveness. If approved, the proposed changes could significantly transform the city's management, shifting greater administrative power to a city manager under the guidance of the elected council.
The Conroe City Council is currently prioritizing urgent infrastructure upgrades while ongoing discussions focus on structural reforms.
During the meeting on July 24, the council reached a unanimous decision to approve two significant contracts, totaling over $1 million, aimed at modernizing traffic signals at key intersections. The enhancements are part of the city's ongoing initiative to modernize outdated span-wire traffic signals, transitioning to more dependable and safer mast-arm systems that include pedestrian crossings and advanced traffic management capabilities.
A contract worth $513,432 has been granted to Statewide Traffic Signal Company for the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 105 and Sixth Street. A second contract, amounting to $545,377, has been granted to the same company for enhancements at Hwy. 75 and FM 2854. The initiatives will encompass the elimination of outdated traffic signs, the installation of modern signals, refreshed pavement markings, and minor enhancements to concrete and asphalt. Both contracts establish a significant completion timeline of 270 days from the commencement of the project.
“These are two of our oldest intersections still operating on span-wire systems,” stated Norman McGuire, assistant city administrator and public works director. “In the past decade or so, we have made significant efforts to modernize the traffic signals throughout the city,” McGuire continued. These intersections are among the final few still in operation.
The improvements aim to enhance traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety in two of the city's most heavily trafficked areas, addressing persistent infrastructure issues and demonstrating Conroe’s commitment to modernization.
As Conroe progresses and transforms, city officials are navigating the complexities of administrative reform alongside essential infrastructure enhancements—an initiative they believe will effectively support the city's future.
Community members are invited to participate in Monday's town hall meeting to express their views on the proposed charter changes and gain insights into the implications of a council-manager system for local governance.
