Downtown Montgomery’s next chapter is starting to come into focus as city leaders push forward on several connected projects aimed at easing traffic, improving walkability and making room for future growth and development.

The gist: Among the efforts are updates to city ordinances, improvements for McCown Street and work on a new city complex in the former Jim’s Hardware building.

What’s happening: The McCown Street improvement is intended to rework how people move through a key stretch of downtown, Mayor Sara Countryman said, with a focus on traffic circulation, pedestrian access and parking. She said the project is meant to improve “the parking and the walkability” and create “a much better experience in our historic district.”

Diving in deeper: Countryman said downtown parking has become increasingly tight, and bringing City Hall into the center of town would add public parking while putting city services in a more visible location.

Willis ISD trustees discussed a proposal for a stand-alone gymnasium at Willis High School along with the ninth grade center and its gym, one of the district's 2024 bond projects.

The gist: WISD Chief Operations Officer Bob Eaton addressed the board about the project. Eaton stated that during the design process, “it was determined that the current ninth grade center site footprint could not accommodate both gymnasiums.”

Digging deeper: The proposed facility will primarily support instructional programming, student curriculum needs and school-sponsored extracurricular activities such as athletic classes for credit, health and physical development curriculum, band, dance, cheerleading. and junior ROTC, Eaton said.

From road widenings and asphalt repairs to interchange work and transit upgrades, transportation projects are progressing across the Greater Houston region. Some are already under construction, while others are entering design, public input or bidding phases. 

Here are updates on 13 transportation projects that could affect commutes. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Upcoming projects
Shaw Road widening
Project: Shaw Road would be widened from two to four lanes between Northpointe Boulevard and Boudreaux Road, per Harris County Precinct 3’s website.
Update: The study phase has been completed, and future roadway options are being evaluated, according to Harris County Precinct 3 officials.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

• Timeline: ongoing
• Cost: $1.33 million
• Funding source: Montgomery County road bond

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