East Beltway developers are getting mixed reviews from Brazos County residents

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – After a year of planning, a public meeting was held at the Brazos Center to discuss a loop that would connect Bryan and College Station. The new proposed road, known as the Inner Loop East project, would be located on the east side of Aggieland.

The new proposed road, known as the Inner Loop East project, is expected to ease... — The new proposed road, known as the Inner Loop East project, is expected to ease traffic congestion from north to south Bryan-College Station. The loop will be located on the east side of Aggieland.(KBTS)

The goal of the project is to facilitate north-south travel through Brazos County and provide future transportation as our population continues to grow.

The new road will connect to State Route 6 east of FM 2818 in Bryan, via State Route 30 south of Elmo Weedon Road and connect to William D. Fitch Boulevard in College Station.

The road is part of ongoing efforts to improve public transport. Brazos County says the project will improve mobility on our current roadways.

“The area is growing significantly, with a lot of development happening in the east, so more north-south travel options are needed for our future travel demand,” Jackie Wilson, director of program management at CD&P.

As of now, it is still in the development and planning stages and nothing is set in stone. The developers say it will be a long process, but it will be worth it in the long run.

The project is scheduled to begin environmental studies, data collection and analysis, and identification of preferred alternatives between now and early 2025.

The estimated schedule looks like this:

Late 2023 – mid 2024: Environmental studies, data collection and analysis, development of alternatives
End 2024: Public meeting No. 1
Mid 2024 – early 2025: Environmental studies, data collection and analysis and selection of preferred alternative
Early 2025 – mid 2025 Open meeting No. 2, clarification of the scheme
Mid 2025 – mid 2026: Public hearings and environmental assessment
Mid 2026 – end 2026: Schematic approval

“We’re in the very early stages of trying to better understand the area, better understand the needs and build the road in a location that actually makes sense for the community,” Wilson said.

Some residents support the new road project, but many others are not too happy about the construction process, which could affect a handful of landowners.

Brazos County residents are expressing concern about new development that will destroy... — Brazos County residents are expressing concern about new development that will destroy several of their homes and turn them into roads.(KBTS)

The development process includes environmental assessments such as environmental restrictions, drainage, noise and air quality.

Brazos County says the study aims to work closely with property owners and stakeholders during the planning process, identify the proposed interior loop route and develop preliminary engineering design plans. Community input is essential to project development.

Brazos County residents shared their fears with KBTX about what could happen right in their backyards.

Many Brazos County residents are angry about the construction of a new road.(KBTS)

“Our family has lived on this site for a hundred years and now it may be under threat, so there are a lot of concerns. And a lot of our neighbors, friends, family feel the same way,” explained Chris Ribardo of Bryan.

“They’re going to use this money to take everyone’s homes and farms and ruin the appeal of eastern Brazos County,” said Adam Peidou, a Brazos County resident.

All public comments must be submitted by November 22, 2024 for inclusion in the official minutes of the meeting.

Comments may be submitted:

· Mail: Inner Loop East Study c/o CD&P PO Box 5459 Austin, TX 78763.

· Online: brazoscountytx.gov/653/Inner-Loop-East

· Email: [email protected]

· Voicemail: 979-383-2036.