If you’ve lived in Alvin or Brazoria County for a while, you’ve probably heard the chatter about the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) — that massive outer loop that’s been slowly wrapping around the Houston metro area. Some sections are already open through Katy, The Woodlands, and Baytown… but what about our stretch here near Alvin?

Well, it’s finally inching closer to reality

The Proposed Route: Where It’s Headed

The next big piece, known as Segment B, will eventually connect I-45 near League City over to Highway 288 near Rosharon, sweeping right through northern Brazoria County — and yes, just west and north of Alvin.

Here’s the general path:

• Starting around FM 646, the road will curve southwest toward FM 2403 and SH 35, just north of Alvin.
• From there, the next section (Segment B-2) would eventually tie into 288 near Manvel and Iowa Colony.

It’ll be a four-lane toll road with frontage roads and several interchanges, including one near SH 35, which could become a key access point for Alvin commuters.

What’s the Timeline?

If you’ve been wondering “when are they actually going to build this thing?”, you’re not alone.

Here’s what we know so far:

• TxDOT finalized its environmental approval back in 2016, and since then the design and right-of-way process has been underway.
• The Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation (yep, that’s a real thing) officially took control of this section in early 2024.
• Construction on the first phase (I-45 to Alvin) could begin around late 2026 or early 2027. It’ll likely take 3–4 years to complete once it starts.
• The second stretch (Alvin to 288) doesn’t have a firm date yet — it’ll follow after funding and design are finalized.

So yes — we’re still a few years away from seeing bulldozers, but the wheels are turning (pun intended).

 The Good News: Why It Could Be a Big Win for Alvin

1. Shorter commutes and easier access
Whether you work in Pearland, Friendswood, or even Sugar Land, the Grand Parkway could make getting around a whole lot easier. It’ll also give folks from other areas a smoother way to reach Alvin — which could help local businesses and tourism.

2. A boost for local growth
Big roads bring big opportunity. Developers and investors are already keeping an eye on the future route. That could mean new shopping centers, restaurants, and jobs for local residents — especially near the SH 35 interchange.

3. Stronger property values
Historically, property near major roadways (with good access and visibility) sees value appreciation. For Alvin, this could mean more demand from homebuilders and businesses alike.

4. Better connectivity for emergencies and evacuations
If you’ve lived here through a hurricane season or two, you know how important alternate routes can be. Having the Grand Parkway nearby could make evacuations faster and safer.

The Other Side of the Story

As exciting as it sounds, the project does raise a few concerns worth talking about:

1. Construction headaches – Expect years of utility work, detours, and noise once construction begins. Property owners near the alignment will likely feel the disruption most.

2. More traffic and faster development – Growth is great, but it can change the feel of a small town quickly. Alvin’s rural charm and open land could give way to busier roads and more commercial activity.

3. Environmental impacts – Some of the planned route crosses farmland and low-lying wetlands. Residents have voiced concerns about drainage, flooding, and preserving local wildlife areas.

4. Toll costs – The Grand Parkway is a toll road. While it’ll save time, regular commuters will need to factor in those costs.

What This Means for Us

For Alvin and Brazoria County residents, this project is more than just another highway — it’s a sign of what’s coming next for our community. Growth is already moving south from Pearland and Manvel, and once SH 99 is connected, Alvin will be squarely “on the map.”

That could mean:

• More business opportunities for locals.
• More interest from homebuilders and families moving in.
• A new rhythm for a town that’s long been a little quieter than its neighbors.

Whether that’s exciting or a little bittersweet probably depends on what you love most about living here. The Grand Parkway has the potential to transform Alvin from a pass-through town into a true destination, with new growth, convenience, and opportunity — but also some growing pains along the way.

If you own property here, this is the time to stay informed and get involved. Attend TxDOT updates, watch for zoning changes, and keep an eye on development around SH 35 and FM 2403.

Change is coming — and it’s literally paving its way toward us.