$1M Public Trail Project by Willowfork Drainage District to Break Ground in Katy This Fall
A major new trail project is set to begin in Katy this fall, bringing expanded pedestrian access and mobility to the heart of the Willow Fork Drainage District (WFDD). The project, officially titled WFDD Trails Package 4 – Segment Q Section 1, has been filed with the state and is scheduled to begin in early September 2025, with an expected completion by early March 2026.
Funded by public dollars and located on public land, the trail construction will cover approximately 80,000 square feet of new hardscape, offering both recreational and transportation benefits for local residents. The total estimated cost is $1 million, according to the filing.
Scope of Work Summary:
- Trail Location: West Katy, between Mason Road and Fry Road
- New Construction: ~80,000 SF of trail infrastructure
- Start Date: Early September 2025
- Completion Date: Early March 2026
- Funding: Public and potentially federal sources
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Two-Part Trail Plan Includes Bridge Over Flood Control Channel
At its May 22, 2025 regular meeting, the WFDD Board of Directors discussed splitting Segment Q into two separate bid packages, laying the groundwork for an eventual pedestrian connection stretching east from Mason Road.
According to the minutes:
- Section 1 will involve the installation of trail from Mason Road to Fry Road.
- Section 2 will continue east of Fry Road and include the construction of a pedestrian bridge over a Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) channel.
The trail is part of WFDD’s long-term vision to connect green spaces, improve walkability, and enhance stormwater-adjacent corridors through the development of multi-use trails and complementary infrastructure.
County Partnership and Engineering Coordination Underway
Discussion at the May meeting also touched on:
- An Interlocal Agreement with Harris County governing the Segment Q build-out
- Coordination on related sidewalk segments, including along Mason Road and within the Va3 and Va12 trail systems
- Pending permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for overlapping trail sections in Segments X, Y, and Z
In addition to trail work, WFDD and its partners are addressing sidewalk repairs, tree maintenance, and public safety infrastructure across multiple parks in the district.
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Trail Access and Community Impact
Once completed, Segment Q will link neighborhoods and parks, enhancing accessibility for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail is expected to integrate with future improvements across the Willow Fork Park system, contributing to the area's reputation as one of West Houston’s most connected outdoor networks.
Residents can expect future updates as bid packages are finalized and construction timelines become firm. The District continues to pursue transparency and inter-agency cooperation to ensure that trail development is efficient, accessible, and aligned with flood control efforts.
New Underpass Project to Improve Pedestrian Safety at Cinco Ranch Boulevard
In a separate update from the Willow Fork Drainage District, officials announced plans to break ground next month on a new underpass project along Buffalo Bayou at Cinco Ranch Boulevard near Hamptonshire Lane. Estimated for completion in early 2026, the project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and trail connectivity across one of the busiest corridors in the area.
This will be WFDD’s second pedestrian underpass; the first was completed in 2021 at Westheimer Parkway, just west of Cinco Ranch Boulevard. According to the District, this latest location sees approximately 25,000 cars per day and was selected due to a curve in the roadway that limits driver visibility of pedestrians and cyclists entering the crosswalk. By routing foot and bike traffic beneath the road, the underpass is designed to reduce risk and improve accessibility.
In addition to improving safety, the underpass will offer more direct trail access to popular destinations on the south side of Cinco Ranch Boulevard, including the Cinco Ranch waterpark and LaCenterra shopping center. Residents can view a detailed map of WFDD’s Parks Master Plan on the District’s official website here.
Stay Informed
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
