The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wants to add a lane in each direction to a nearly seven-mile stretch of the Grand Parkway near Springwoods Village. Spring-area residents can weigh in at a Sept. 24 open house.

The proposal covers State Highway 99 from west of Springwoods Village Parkway to east of Townsen Boulevard and Imperial Promenade in Harris and Montgomery counties. TxDOT would build one new mainlane in each direction within the existing median, bringing the total from two to three lanes each way, according to Woodlands Online. The stretch covers approximately 6.73 miles.

Two new direct connectors at I-45 are also part of the plan: one from southbound I-45 to eastbound SH 99, and another from westbound SH 99 to northbound I-45. The road would remain a tolled facility.

TxDOT said the project addresses congestion from increased traffic. The agency said it is based on an agreement between the state and seven counties through which SH 99 passes. TxDOT said all construction would stay within existing right of way, and no homes or businesses would be displaced, according to the agency's project page.

The project would involve work in a floodplain, a detail TxDOT flagged in its announcement but did not elaborate on.

How to participate

TxDOT will hold an in-person open house on Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the York Junior High School cafeteria, 3515 Waterbend Cove in Spring. Attendees can view a pre-recorded presentation, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions and submit written comments in any language.

A virtual option goes live Sept. 22 by 5 p.m. on TxDOT's project page.

Written comments must be received or postmarked by Oct. 9. Comments can be mailed to the TxDOT Houston District Office, Advanced Project Development, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386, or emailed to [email protected].

Residents without internet access can call 713-802-5199 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials.