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https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/a...e-highway-242/

The Woodlands building 5-mile hike-and-bike trail along State Highway 242

The long-planned pathway, which will stretch from FM 1488 to Harper’s Landing Park in the burgeoning suburb north of Houston, is being funded largely by a nearly $7.5 million federal grant allocated by the Texas Transportation Commission.

ADAM ZUVANICH | POSTED ONOCTOBER 31, 2023, 3:58 PM

A federal grant worth nearly $7.5 million will provide most of the funding for a 5-mile pathway for cyclists and pedestrians that is set to be constructed in The Woodlands, a burgeoning suburb about 30 miles north of Houston.

The upcoming trail will be built along State Highway 242, also known as College Park Drive, between FM 1488 and Harper's Landing Park to the east. The path will cross Interstate 45 on its way to the park, which is situated north of 242 and includes playgrounds, a dog park, skate park, swimming pool and sports facilities.

The Woodlands Township said in a news release about the project that the pathway has long been desired by the more than 120,000 residents and 2,000 businesses it serves, noting that 242 has presented "a unique challenge in the community."

"This high-speed, six-lane arterial road, with speeds ranging from 45 to 50 mph, lacks continuous bicycle and pedestrian facilities along the route," the township said. "This absence creates a physical barrier that hinders people's ability to access vital goods and services along SH 242 without the need for vehicular transportation. Compounding this challenge is the presence of I-45, which further isolates the Harper's Landing neighborhood from the broader Woodlands Township."

The Woodlands Township did not immediately respond to a Tuesday request for more information about the hike-and-bike path, including its anticipated timeline for construction.