Getting In and Out of Woodlands in the Early Days
Harmony Bridge crosses Spring Creek in The Woodlands between Harris and Montgomery counties.
In the late 1970s, and early 1980s the question, “How do I get in and out of The Woodlands?” was a fairly simple question with a fairly simple answer. There were only two options: I-45, or the back way down Rayford Road, through Fox Run, onto Riley Fuzzel and through Old Town Spring.
Today there are many ways to exit or enter The Woodlands. The first exit/entrance that was added in the back of the community was Harmony Bridge. In 1986 Harris County and Montgomery County worked together to build a bridge across Spring Creek at Kuykendahl. This was a big deal because it allowed Woodlands residents to get to Tomball and other western areas without getting on I-45. The possibility of building a bridge had been mentioned as early as 1983. It was funded by part of a local bond for $2.2 million. South Montgomery voters voted for it through a seldom-used provision of state law that allowed local communities to fund needed community road work.
As most events were at that time in the new community, the ribbon cutting was very festive and residents of their new hometown came out to join in the fun. The Klein High School band and the McCullough High School band played and marched — from their respective sides of the bridge — behind elected county officials from Montgomery and Harris counties. When they met in the middle, the officials shook hands and cut the green ribbon. The name Harmony was chosen to express harmony and goodwill between the counties.
The two lane bridge handled traffic well when The Woodlands was smaller. Now it is a very busy road. Kuykendahl is being widened to two lanes each way south of the bridge and at some point in the future the bridge itself will need to be widened. The current Village of Creekside was originally named Harmony Bend in honor of the new bridge.
As the community has grown, so have the means of entering and exiting The Woodlands. The I-45 feeders are now continuous; Gosling also crosses Spring Creek; The Woodlands Parkway connects to 2978 in the back; and 242 connects to 1488. So, if you’re in a hurry to get home, there are many options you can take to get there.
By Char Schneider
Sponsored by CUNAE International School
