Noack’s I-45 ramps project ranks 3rd in region on H-GAC Major Projects List

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack’s proposed Interstate 45 braided ramps project has earned the No. 3 ranking among major projects in the region on the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s most recent “Call for Projects.”

More than 100 projects were submitted for the Major Projects category (estimated cost of at least $100 million), and the I-45 ramps realignment project, sponsored by Montgomery County, was the only one among the top 27-ranked projects that was not sponsored by TxDOT. Funding for the top two projects already has been awarded.

“I appreciate H-GAC and TxDOT leadership recognizing the importance and value of such an innovative solution that will improve safety, mobility and quality of life not only for Montgomery County residents, but all commuters along the Interstate 45 corridor,” Noack said. “Once completed, this project will ease congestion, curb accidents and reduce response time for law enforcement and medical personnel. In addition, it will be an economic driver locally and regionally.

“I am proud to have worked with WSB on initial conceptualization of this plan, as well as earning the support of regional and statewide traffic experts. I look forward to the final design and ultimately construction of this highway system upgrade that will benefit so many in the future.”

The rankings were determined after a multistep evaluation process that involves review of project costs and benefits, among other assessments such as alignment with goals of the Regional Transportation Plan. The H-GAC Transportation Policy Council is expected to vote on approving the final project rankings at its next scheduled meeting in November.

The Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office has been working with engineering firm WSB on preliminary redesign plans of Interstate 45 on and off ramps in order to improve traffic flow along the extremely congested stretch between Rayford/Sawdust Road and the Grand Parkway.

Data from 2017 showed 250,000 vehicles travel this stretch daily, growing to an estimated 370,000 vehicles per day by 2045. That would put it on par with the most congested freeways in Houston, according to WSB. The crash rate in this area also is nearly double that of a typical interstate in Texas, according to WSB.

Through TxDOT’s high-level planning study over the past five years of I-45 North along a 25-mile stretch between Beltway 8 in Houston and South Loop 336 in Conroe, it was determined that the single-most congested stretch is between the Hardy Toll Road and Woodlands Parkway. As party of the study, the ramp changes at Hardy Toll Road were identified as critically needed improvements.

In July 2023, TxDOT gave Montgomery County approval to move forward with the estimated $125 million to $150 million project that involves realigning ramps along I-45 at the Hardy Toll Road, Rayford/Sawdust Road and Springwoods Village.

Montgomery County already has invested nearly $1 million in a preliminary traffic analysis and design visualization. The proposed project would revise the northbound and southbound ramps on I-45 to reduce congestion resulting from vehicles weaving to and from existing on and off ramps. The proposed ramp concept would elevate the Hardy Toll Road entrance and exit ramps over the Rayford/Sawdust ramps, which would improve safety and reduce delays on Interstate 45. There are too many ramps too close together, and the proposed collector-distributor concept would greatly improve traffic flow.

Montgomery County and TxDOT have signed the Advance Funding Agreement, with the county agreeing to fund engineering and environmental costs totaling $8,971,055.

Once TxDOT approves the contract between Montgomery County and WSB for engineering and environmental services, the engineering phase of the project can start.

Montgomery County is seeking to use pass-through toll funds generated from the 2005 road bond to pay the nearly $9 million contract for engineering and environment services.

For more information, contact Andrew DuBois, Precinct 3 Director of Operations, at andrew.dubois@mctx.org or 936-522-9305