After being shelved for months over funding concerns, the Old Conroe Road extension is moving forward again under Montgomery County oversight following a transfer agreement approved by the Conroe City Council.
The extension of Old Conroe Road, which has faced major setbacks, is now moving forward following a decisive vote by the Conroe City Council. The council has agreed to transfer the $221 million project to Montgomery County, effectively reviving a plan that had been stalled due to concerns regarding water infrastructure funding.
Council members voted in favor of an agreement on Thursday, which included the transfer of previously acquired rights-of-way and engineering documents to the county. The county has agreed to pay the city $3.4 million as part of a new deal under which the project will be managed by Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley.
Riley announced his plans to revitalize the project, which has been under development since 2018, declaring, "We're going to get this thing moving again." “We will continue to move forward until the task is completed.”
After months of collaboration between county officials and city leadership, the decision has been reached, involving key figures such as Conroe City Administrator Gary Scott and Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska. According to city officials, the collaboration played a crucial role in revitalizing the project, which had stalled earlier this year.
Riley announced that the Montgomery County Commissioners Court will discuss the project in its upcoming meeting. Construction will commence in the northern section of the roadway if the proposal receives approval. The extension has been described as a significant advantage for Conroe and the neighboring county.
City leaders reached a consensus, emphasizing that the project's progress would likely have stalled without the county's participation. Councilman Harry Hardman stated, “This agreement is substantially more appropriate for the city portion.”
A 5.7-mile extension, primarily located outside the Conroe city limits, aims to link Sgt. Ed Holcombe Boulevard with Old Conroe Road. Plans have been unveiled for a bridge that will span the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Creek. This infrastructure project is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity.
The cost of the project has increased substantially over time. The initial estimate of $128 million has now increased significantly to $221 million. In July 2024, the city obtained funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which would have covered most of the expenses, leaving Conroe responsible for approximately $75 million.
In May, the council made a decisive move by voting 4-1 to reallocate funds to address increasing water infrastructure demands, resulting in the abandonment of the planned road project in favor of developing new water wells. In a recent decision, Mayor Pro Tem Howard Wood stood out by casting the sole dissenting vote.
Councilman Dave Hairel stated, “Had we not maintained our position on that vote, the citizens of Conroe would have faced a financial burden exceeding $75 million.” Officials have announced that the cash funds will be allocated for essential capital improvement projects in Conroe.
County officials announced that they will take the lead on the project, allowing it to progress without imposing further financial burdens on the city.
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