Fort Bend County Secures $58.6 Million H-GAC Funding for SH 99 Frontage Road Projects
Fort Bend County is set to transform its transportation infrastructure thanks to $58.6 million in funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). This funding will support critical mobility projects along the Grand Parkway (SH 99) in the Cinco Ranch area, a rapidly growing region in Fort Bend County. These projects aim to alleviate congestion, enhance mobility, and accelerate the construction of long-planned frontage roads.
Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “First, I wish to thank the leadership of the Houston-Galveston Area Council for their partnership—this funding marks a significant step forward for our community.” Morales noted that since taking the lead on these projects in 2022, his focus has been on expediting timelines, engaging residents on sound wall designs, and positioning the projects for funding opportunities like the H-GAC allocation.
Strategic Project Breakdown
The $58.6 million will fund three key segments of SH 99 frontage roads, all approved for design through voter-supported Fort Bend County mobility bond referendums:
- $23.2 million for the construction of the southbound frontage road from Bay Hill to Cinco Ranch.
- $17.8 million for the northbound frontage road from South Fry Road to Westheimer Parkway.
- $17.6 million for the southbound frontage road from Westheimer Parkway to South Fry Road.
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Partnerships and Regional Collaboration
Collaboration among county and state leaders played a vital role in securing this funding. State Representative Jacey Jetton emphasized the importance of the improvements, stating, “Fort Bend County attracts thousands of new residents each year, drawn by its safety, excellent schools, and affordability. With growth comes increased congestion, especially on SH 99 through Cinco Ranch. Partnering with Commissioner Morales, we prioritized expanding this critical roadway.” Jetton credited teamwork with Senator Joan Huffman and local leaders for the project’s progress.
County Engineer Stacy Slawinski explained that H-GAC’s Carryover Spend Down Policy allowed for efficient allocation of transportation funds. “These funds stem from H-GAC’s policy to utilize leftover transportation dollars efficiently,” Slawinski said. “This policy allows Fort Bend County to leverage external resources for the SH 99 frontage road projects while reallocating nearly $80 million of county funds to other critical mobility initiatives.”
Timeline and Long-Term Impact
Construction is slated to begin in March 2026 on the first segment, with completion expected within 18 months. The remaining segments will start in late 2026 and finish by the end of 2028, adding nearly 10 lane miles of new frontage roads to SH 99.
These improvements are expected to significantly enhance traffic flow and safety for residents in the Katy and Richmond areas. Recent upgrades to SH 99, including additional lanes and direct connectors at the Westpark Tollway, highlight Fort Bend County’s commitment to addressing the demands of its rapidly growing population.
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“This is about delivering on our promise to provide relief to commuters and taxpayers who rely on this vital corridor for their daily needs,” Morales said.
Upon completion, these projects will represent a transformative milestone for Fort Bend County’s transportation network, ensuring it keeps pace with ongoing growth while improving quality of life for residents.
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.
