By Trendsetter Tribune 
Rapid growth in west Harris County is pushing traffic on the Grand Parkway to its limits, prompting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to move ahead with a major expansion project.
New housing developments have transformed once-open land, turning the Grand Parkway into a critical commuter route — and a frequent bottleneck during rush hour. To address the congestion, TxDOT plans to widen the stretch between Interstate 10 and Highway 290 from four lanes to six.
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to last about four years. In addition to adding lanes, the project includes safety and quality-of-life upgrades, such as replacing cable barriers with concrete barriers and installing new noise walls requested by nearby communities.
TxDOT officials say the expansion was anticipated as part of long-term planning for the area’s growth and is now necessary due to persistent slow-moving traffic.
Local drivers, while welcoming the improvements, are bracing for years of construction. Katy resident Chad Kremler said traffic is already bumper-to-bumper during peak hours and worries the situation will worsen before it gets better.
TxDOT says it will host community meetings ahead of construction to gather public input as the project moves forward.