TxDOT serves the state of Texas to provide safe and reliable transportation throughout the state. On TxDOT’s project trackers, it is easy for Houstonians to view what type of work that is being done throughout our major roadways. From the screenshot, Fort Bend County has few dozen projects currently under construction.
Along Highway 59, a majority of the projects are maintenance related, including projects to re-surface the roadways or basic road repair. When examining the roadways that fall closest to Fulshear, you can see where TxDOT has reported more substantial projects to meet the growing population in the surrounding areas. They currently provide information on three major developments in the area.
On the west side of Katy-Gaston Road, frontage roads are being constructed for FM 1093, which are at sixty percent completion. Along 359 just west of Cross Creek Ranch Road, a new project was just started last month to widen the road. This widening is to extend for about 3 miles, and it will directly affect the Fulshear area. Then lastly, near FM 1093, they have been working on both the east and west extensions of FM 359 in Fulshear to make improvements within the intersection.
What does this mean for us? Well, it is not doubt that Fulshear has been expanding rapidly, but so has the Katy area within the past few years. This exponential growth has pushed forward not only the expansion of roadways, but also the booming home building market and surrounding shopping centers. With the major construction of SH 99 right in our backyard, it is clear that the Katy area is starting to push its way into Fulshear.
For some residents of Fulshear, the construction and population growth means good news. They look at this progression as a means to be able to live a semi-private life, but with easy access to city life accommodations. More people means a closer grocery store or a closer day care for the kids. For other residents, the construction means that their small-town home, where neighbors and community are strong, will be just another neighborhood machine with little to no personal connection. It symbolizes the end of the community lifestyle.
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