Officials look to improve traffic woes in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- Montgomery County voters could be headed to the ballot box to vote on a new multi-million dollar bond in 2015. That bond would pay for the beginnings of a major traffic improvement plan for the second-fastest growing county in southeast Texas. The county thinks taking a loan to pay for roads is the best way to fix a growing traffic problem.

It's everywhere, and it's getting worse.

"It's definitely worse in the last 20 years," Montgomery County driver Mike Moore said.

Everyone knows it.

"Usually about 5 to 6 is when it's really bad," Montgomery County driver Gilbert Medrano said.

Traffic in Montgomery County is a growing concern on just about every corner.

"Mobility is the number one issue," said Craig Doyal, the incoming county judge.

Doyal ran his campaign on improving that mobility.

"We need to look at all areas of Montgomery County and make sure we address the needs as best we can with the dollars we can make available," he said.

So it's not a question of if the county is going to do something; it's a question of when and how. Otherwise, Montgomery County comes to a standstill.

Right now, there are three separate traffic and transportation studies in Montgomery County.

"You need to be able to get to your jobs, you need to be able to get to your homes," said Thomas Gray with the Houston Galveston Area Council.

The Houston Galveston Area Council is conducting all three studies.

"A key part of our quality of life is a good and robust transportation network," Gray said.

They estimate the population is doubling by 2040. Already 245,000 cars pass a short section of I-45 every day in the southern part of the county.

"They have a transportation network right now that is not necessarily adequate," Gray said.

Once those studies are finished, the county will put together a plan.

"The growth is coming. We've got to continue to grow with it," Montgomery County engineer Mark Mooney said.

That plan will likely include putting together a multimillion dollar bond proposal. Financing the beginning of a long term solution to longer commutes is a plan voters will have to approve next year.

"I hope the residents of this county realize that it's time. We need to move forward and get some of these roads built and completed," Mooney said.

Two of three traffic studies will be finished later this year. The third is scheduled to be completed in early 2015.

If county commissioners decide to go after a bond program, it could be on the ballot as early as may of next year.