By Judith McGlaughlin, One Creek West

Following the rapid-fire planning and construction of sidewalks both north and south of I-10,  Harris County Precinct 4 has embarked on its second phase of its "Pathways 4 Progress" program. The precinct has allocated $13 million to build those sidewalk connections not undertaken in the initial phase. These were routes that were more complicated to build - due to utility, drainage, right-of-way, and other complexities. By contrast, the first phase of the program saw $20 million invested to build over 50 miles of sidewalk throughout Precinct 4, prioritizing projects based upon the ability to connect families to their neighborhood schools, local parks, hospitals, and shopping centers.  

One of the sidewalk opportunities that was not possible in the first phase was the "Williamsburg Connection", an existing dirt path along Franz Road used by Morton Ranch students who live in Williamsburg Settlement, Williamsburg Colony, and the new apartment communities on the north side of Franz Road.  There are 400 students in Williamsburg Settlement, Williamsburg Colony, and the Elation at Grandway West apartments who attend Morton Ranch High School or Morton Ranch Junior High.

(Source: One Creek West)

While all students are eligible for Katy ISD bus service, many students elect to walk to or from school. According to school officials, many students are involved in athletics, band, clubs, and other after-school activities – and the district does not offer early of late buses for any of these activities. Parents have noted that the current walk path is unsafe, particularly before sun rises and during rainy conditions.

A review of all high school and junior high campuses in Katy ISD shows that these students face the highest daily traffic rate of any campus without sidewalk access. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that an average of 16,000 vehicles use Franz Road west of Mason Road per day. While campuses such as Cinco Ranch have higher traffic rates, these campuses have well-established sidewalks that protect the students that walk home. 

Mobile Sidebar Ad

In response to the Williamsburg neighborhood inquiries, One Creek West, a non-profit community organization in Katy North, prepared a proposal to convey the need for this sidewalk, the cost to construct it, and potential sources to fund it. The proposed sidewalk would be located on the north side of Franz Road. It would extend approximately 5,100-ft, from the corner of Mason Road and Franz Road, to the entrance of the Elation at Grandway West apartments on the west side of the Harris County Flood Control’s T-101-08-00 channel. The potential for sidewalks along the east side of Franz Road is being assessed.

There are technical challenges associated with the proposed route of the sidewalk. In addition to commercial development at the corners of Mason Road/Franz Road and Elrod Road/Franz Road, the section from the CenterPoint substation to Elrod Road has a number of interceptor drains – which indicate that additional drainage investments may need to be incorporated into the project. In addition, the right-of-way adjacent to Williamsburg Colony is highly sloped, requiring a retaining wall that adds cost to the project.

(Click to enlarge)

Precinct 4 has included the proposal for the Williamsburg Connection in its second phase planning process. To provide more resident input, we have constructed a short survey (click HERE to access the survey). The purpose of this survey is to better understand the need for sidewalks and to assess whether there are other considerations that should be taken into account. Comments will be summarized and provided to Precinct 4 with our proposal.

Once this information is gathered, the precinct will rate all of the projects under consideration. A prioritized list is planned for the beginning of October. The Precinct hopes to be in design and permitting mode by the end of the year - and to have all sidewalks completed by August 31, 2026.

The need for our project is recognized by the precinct, but the cost of the drainage and other construction challenges has to be assessed. Additional information will be forthcoming before the final list of projects is selected, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome. 

Editor's Note: One Creek West is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for neighborhoods in West Houston’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Established in 2019, the group works to identify community challenges, foster consensus, and advocate for residents. Its service area includes neighborhoods north of I-10, south of Keith Harrow Road, east of SH-99, and west of SH-6. With the Addicks Watershed playing a major role in land use, One Creek West serves as a vital voice for residents, ensuring thoughtful growth and sustainability. To learn more, visit onecreekwest.org.