Here are valid reasons for questioning the overpass or underpass at Research Forest and Grogan’s Mill.  Other feasible options exist to reduce traffic.

If you agree with even one of these reasons, let your voice be heard. Sign our Petition.

1.     $24 million is too expensive on just one intersection. Shenandoah residents told underpass plans very conceptual (10 – 15 years out).  Woodlands told more definitive timeline.  Other improvements, (right-turn lanes and widened lanes) can be performed in less than three years, at both locations.  First improvements should occur at I-45 for both Lake Woodlands and Research Forest.  I-45 causes back up at the inner choke points. 

2.     Lake Woodlands lane widening was a “committed project” in 2015 and as late as 2017.  December 2017 Courier article titled, "South County Mobility Projects on the Fast Track", fast tracking of the Lake Woodlands lane-widening project.  Article briefly detailed mid-year 2019 start of lane widening to I-45 and quashing of the proposed overpass at Lake Woodlands, due to vocal resident opposition.  (So, residents do have choices, but they have to use their voices.)

3.     Decrease property values is a cost to residents.  Decreased property values adjacent to project.

4.     Flooding of underpass = safety concerns.  Flooding already anticipated according to study by BGE.  The location of pumps on both sides of underpass and destination of thousands of gallons of flood water have not been determined.  During flooding, impassible underpass traps people trying to exit area west of Grogan’s.   Lane widening, at grade, not expected to produce any flooding; does not require pumps; still allows traffic to flow through the intersection.

5.     Clear cutting of hundreds of trees along the median and shoulders. Removing soil (which absorbs heavy rainfall) and replacing with concrete (which does not absorb water) results in flooding. Lane widening results in less tree loss.

6.     Noise and auto emissions due to increased traffic. If both locations are not improved, “traffic equilibrium” will cause a large influx of traffic into the single area of improvement.  Once the green tree barrier is removed, sound will not be absorbed.  The environment will be impacted.  Trees take up carbon dioxide and produce oxygen – cleaning the environment.  Lane widening will ease traffic congestion, yet still allow for noise barrier to remain intact

7.     Potential traffic impacts east and west of Research Forest/Grogan’s intersection.  No data presented by any agency.

8.     Conflicting timeline from government agencies.  Timeline conveyed to Shenandoah residents was 10 to 20 years. Timeline conveyed to Woodlands residents was ~3 years.

Key Document or Video Links:  

South County Mobility Plan​

March 27, 2013 City of Shenandoah Meeting Minutes​

September 5, 2018 Shenandoah Town Hall (start at ~ 1:10:00 marker)​

September 20, 2018 Township Meeting (Item 9)​

September 25, 2018 Montgomery County Commissioners Meeting (Item 17B)