The City of Magnolia will see the expansion of FM 1774 beginning as early as August.

A 2-mile stretch on FM 1774 beginning at about Friendship Drive, going over FM 1488, to about 10th Street will be widened from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway with a center turn lane.

Pictured are businesses along FM 1774 in Magnolia that have had to relocate. TxDOT has approved the widening of FM 1774 to begin in August. A café and hair salon once stood at the intersection near the Farmers Market (pictured).

The project, which is to be executed and funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has been in the works for several years, explained City Administrator Paul Mendes. However, the official start date has been back and forth throughout that time because of TxDOT’s available funding and finances.

TxDOT had previously predicted the project would not begin until 2014 due to the lack of funding, but has recently said funding was allocated through the Texas Transportation Commission moving the project to this year.

“Funding came from monies that were allocated by the Texas Transportation Commission, which was the result of projects paying out slower than originally projected,” Houston District Public Information Officer Danny Perez said. “This allowed for adjustments in cash forecast and commitment of more letting dollars in the current year.”

Perez said the project is projected to cost TxDOT close to $10 million.

Additionally, the City of Magnolia approved a resolution to enter into a loan agreement with the Texas State Infrastructure Bank. The city is requesting a $2 million loan, which would allow for Magnolia to move the utility lines along FM 1774 to Friendship Drive.

Currently the lines lay next to the railroad tracks along FM 1774, which is the proposed area that is expected to be widened. Without moving the utility lines, TxDOT would be unable to widen the roadway, according to Mendes.

Mendes said the utility lines have already been assessed by an engineer. A bid package is being prepared that will go out at the end of May. Construction on the lines should begin at the end of June or early July, according to Mendes.

The city expects the cost to move the lines to be less than $2 million. They will be working with the state to find out the interest rate and term agreement. Mendes said any funds not used from the loan will be returned.

Remaining businesses along FM 1774 have been demolishing their buildings in the past few weeks. The Barbecue Hut moved outside of the city limits. Another business, a café located near the Farmers Market, moved to its new location inside the city limits.

Mendes said the Farmers Market doesn’t appear as if it will need to move.

With the Texas Renaissance Festival approaching, Mendes added that TxDOT will try to spare the main lanes during that season. The city is also making plans for a park and ride to take visitors and residents to the festival.

Overall, Mendes stated that he is “very excited that this is finally approved.”

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