SH 249 now open to all traffic in Grimes County

Special to The Examiner

SH 249 is now open in Grimes County to SH 105 between Plantersville and Navasota. 

Ten years in the making, construction of this 10-mile section began in November 2019. This section is a two-lane non-tolled rural highway.

TxDOT first came to the City of Navasota and Grimes County leaders over 10 years ago to set up community meetings to look at this new highway proposal. Numerous local meetings, hearings, and gatherings with connecting cities of Magnolia, Tomball, Plantersville, and Montgomery County were made to begin the process. TxDOT determined a need for a new route from the growing North Houston area that would connect to Bryan/College Station and Waco.  

“We wanted to be a part of the process so that Navasota would not be bypassed, but be included,” says Bert Miller, Navasota Mayor. This option would bring growth opportunities, from housing and commercial development, as well as tourism and economic development to the City of Navasota.  

The City of Navasota was also a part of the development of the route. Numerous citizens and officials from The City, including Mayor Bert Miller and former City Manager, Brad Stafford were involved in the over 2-year development of the route alongside neighboring city and county representatives. The meeting group, also known as the 249 Working Group, met regularly in Magnolia to make the roadway a reality. 

During the routing conversations the City of Navasota representatives made sure to include an MOU with TxDOT that the roadway would not bypass Navasota and that TxDOT would begin review of improving Hwy 105 from the intersection of 249 and 105 to the intersection of 105 and Hwy 6.  

“We’re excited for the roadway to be open for use,” says Miller. “Overall, I am pleased with the outcome that should bring prosperity for Navasota & Grimes County.”