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Fort Bend County Announces New Road, Crosswalk Improvements are Here and More Coming Soon

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

January 22, 2025

By Natalie Cook Clark

 

Fort Bend County announces the installation of crosswalk improvements and more road improvements coming soon that will help alleviate road congestion in the Cinco Ranch area.



Katy Growth Brings Need for Improvements

Improvements to Fort Bend County crosswalks and roads are coming and some are here now. Residents continue to flood to the Katy area and many newcomers are in the Cinco Ranch area or use the traffic-filled 99 or Grand Parkway. Officials see the problem and announce changes to come.




HAWK Signals at Busy Crosswalks

In an effort to improve pedestrian safety in Fort Bend County, Commissioner Vincent Morales announced the installation of High-Intensity Activated Crosswalks (HAWKs) in key locations throughout the Precinct 1 area.

 

Fort Bend County continues to grieve the loss of a Cinco Ranch High School student who was killed at one of the locations that now has a HAWK signal. In addition to that loss in 2023, the area has experienced many near-misses and accidents that authorities hope the addition of the HAWK signals will prevent.


“Safety is our top priority, and the introduction of HAWK signals are a significant step toward creating a more pedestrian and bike friendly environment,” says Commissioner Morales. “By investing in these innovative traffic solutions, we are not only protecting our citizens but also promoting a culture of safety and accessibility for all. Together, we can create a more connected and safe environment for everyone who walks or bikes our streets.”


The implementation of HAWK signals are a part of Precinct 1's broader effort to improve infrastructure and promote a higher quality of life in Precinct 1. The HAWK signals on Mason Rd near Creech Elementary, and Westheimer Pkwy near Williams Elementary have been activated with the HAWK signal on Fry Rd near Beck Junior High being activated soon.


Commissioner Morales and the Fort Bend County Engineering Department will be assessing other locations of high pedestrian activity to determine if further safety treatments are warranted.



Here are some key features that will make the HAWK signals helpful for pedestrians and drivers:


  • High Visibility: Bright LED lights ensure that the signals are easily seen by drivers, even during adverse weather conditions.

  • User Activation: Pedestrians can activate the signal by pressing a button, giving them control over their crossing.

  • Phased Signals: The system provides clear indication for when to stop and when to proceed, ensuring a safe crossing experience.


Planned Construction to Help 99 Feeder Roads

In addition to the HAWK signals, Fort Bend County has announced planned construction projects that will help the ongoing traffic congestion in the Cinco Ranch area.


To help with the projects, Commissioner Morales announced that the county secured $58.6 million in funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to advance critical mobility projects along the Grand Parkway (SH 99) in the Cinco Ranch area. These investments will enhance mobility, alleviate congestion, and accelerate the construction of voter-approved frontage roads in one of Fort Bend County’s fastest-growing regions.


Areas impacts by these projects include: the frontage roads from Bay Hill to Cinco Ranch, South Fry Road to Westheimer Parkway, and from Westheimer Parkway to South Fry Road.


“Fort Bend County attracts thousands of new residents each year, drawn by its safety, excellent schools, and affordability,” says State Representative Jacey Jetton. “With growth comes increased congestion, especially on SH 99 through Cinco Ranch.”



Construction on these projects are still set for the future with the first segment beginning in March 2026.

 

TxDOT projects are still ongoing on 99 through the Cinco Ranch area. While relief to the area is coming, residents still have to wait to really benefit from these improvements.

 

Authorities remind residents to use caution when driving in construction zones and to note that the speed limit does drop.


For more information about the HAWK installations or other safety initiatives, please contact the Commissioner Precinct 1 Office at 281-344-9400.




#PrimroseSchools #CentralGreenPark

 

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