Seven highway projects associated with Brazos County voters passing a bond issue in November 2022 were part of an update at this week’s commission meeting (May 27).
Most of John Polster’s presentation dealt with the future east loop highway. He said the current proposed alignment would affect two homes and 81 parcels of land. Polster said they are considering options to reduce the amount of land that will be needed. One idea being considered is to reduce the speed limit from 70 miles per hour, which would reduce the amount of land needed when the highway curves.
Polster’s report also included the future widening of two existing highways to four lanes plus shared use paths.
For Leonard Road between Highway 47 and FM 2818, Polster said they and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are working to limit medians to near intersections.
Progress also continues towards designing the widening Harvey Road from east of the freeway at Associates Avenue to Boonville Road.
The bond issue also included a financial contribution towards the construction of the future interchange at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive. Polster said TxDOT expects to award the construction contract in early 2026.
The bond issue is also helping pay to rebuild the interchange of Highways 47 and 21 by the RELLIS campus. Polster said there has been minimal concern and no pushback as they are nearing 60 percent completion of the schematic design.
Without providing details, Polster also brought up future improvements to William D. Fitch from Arrington Road to the freeway and widening FM 2818 from FM 60 north to Highway 6.
Polster’s presentation following public comments from nine opponents to the future east loop highway, who have been asking county commissioners for months to stop that project.
Click below to hear some of John Polster’s comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.