The purpose of this project is to identify a potential route that would extend SH 249 on new location spanning approximately 10 miles from FM 1774 to SH 105 in Grimes County. 

Project Description

The proposed project includes:

Constructing a two-lane roadway with shoulders and a passing lane in alternating directions that would accommodate future widening to a four-lane divided roadway. The typical right-of-way width would be 400 - 450 feet.

The proposed two-lane roadway will be tolled. In addition, two-lane, one-way, non-tolled frontage roads would be constructed along approximately five miles of the proposed project (from Urbanosky Road to west of CR 304).

Depending on the final alternative, approximately 623 - 658 acres of new right of way would be required. No displacements would be required.

Project Background

A recommended study area for the proposed project was presented at an open house on October 29, 2013. Based on comments from the open house, TxDOT identified additional environmental constraints for design considerations. An evaluation process was started to identify and compare potential routes with the project purpose and needs.

Six alternatives were presented at the open house on April 3, 2014. Alignment B3 was recommended to be compared to the no-build alternative.

After considering comments and input received from the April 2014 open house and study findings, a hybrid alternative combining alternatives B and C was identified in the summer of 2015.

TxDOT then analyzed a variety of alternatives to refine the alignment between CR 304 and CR 306 in response to public comments. This effort yielded the preferred blue alternative for this area in October 2015. The remainder of the preferred alignment for the corridor remained unchanged.

Since October 2015, the environmental process continued and TxDOT was granted access to properties along the blue route for further evaluation. During this evaluation process, new environmental issues have been identified that has resulted in TxDOT eliminating a portion of the blue alternative to avoid grave sites and impact to streams.

TxDOT is presenting two alignment alternatives for the area between CR 304 and CR 306 (noted in yellow and green) for public input to assist in the final alternative selection. This final selection will be based on current research, input received during the comment period and any additional information gained from the June 30, 2016, public hearing.

Benefits

The proposed improvements are expected to provide the following, as outlined in the purpose and needs identified by the SH 249 Working Group:

Improve safety: Crash rates on FM 1774 and SH 105 exceed the statewide average

Address traffic growth: Since 1980, traffic has increased 274 percent on FM 1774 and 197 percent on SH 105 

Improve regional connections: Provide transportation system continuity to surrounding area

Address evacuation needs: Increase evacuation capacity during emergencies