Bryan, Texas, August 6, 2025
News Summary
In a decisive move, the Brazos County Commissioners Court has unanimously opted to terminate the Inner Loop East highway project amid significant community discontent. Initially proposed to create a 20-mile loop around Bryan-College Station, the project faced fierce opposition from residents concerned about property rights and environmental implications. With an echo of grassroots activism, local leaders are now advocating for more community-focused transportation planning.
Bryan, Texas – In a significant decision made on July 29, 2025, the Brazos County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to terminate the Inner Loop East highway project amidst considerable community opposition. Acting Brazos County Judge Kyle Kacal confirmed that the project, which was to stretch approximately 20 miles around the Bryan-College Station area, is now officially canceled. The decision comes after eight months of protest from residents situated on the east side of the county, who expressed concerns over the potential impact of the construction on their properties and the environment.
The Inner Loop East was initially included in the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (BCSMPO) 2045 thoroughfare plan proposed in 2015 and later added to the county’s major thoroughfare plan in 2017. However, the community’s outcry led to the conclusion that the project was neither necessary nor desired. The discussions around this highway project intensified after concerns were raised regarding its implications on property rights and environmental standards.
Dan Rudge, Executive Director of BCSMPO, noted that although the project is formally terminated, it continues to appear on the MPO’s major thoroughfare map. It will remain in this status until the map is updated, although a timeline for this review has not yet been established. Any changes to the map would require a request from a member of the MPO policy board.
Funding for preliminary environmental and engineering studies related to the highway project was part of Proposition A in the county’s 2022 Transportation Road Improvement Program (TRIP) bond election. Despite the lack of visibility around this initiative, the project received about $4.1 million in expenditures from an $11.2 million contract awarded to Quiddity Engineering. That contract has now been canceled, but both Kacal and Commissioner Chuck Konderla emphasized that this decision does not reflect on Quiddity’s professionalism, instead vowing to reallocate any unspent funds to other projects outlined in TRIP-22.
The grassroots movement “No East Loop,” led by influential local figures such as Kyle Greenwood, celebrated the commission’s decision as a victory for community activism. Greenwood also announced his candidacy for the Precinct 2 commissioner seat in the upcoming elections, signaling a shift in his focus towards broader community concerns. The movement’s leaders continue to advocate for the interests of residents in the area, ensuring their voices are heard in future planning efforts.
Transportation officials from TxDOT later clarified that significant transportation needs are addressed at the local level through collaborations with entities like the BCSMPO rather than pursued independently. The county officials acknowledged that the community’s feedback was crucial in their decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of listening to the residents.
As the dust settles on this turbulent issue, the future of transportation planning in the county is now centered on accountable processes that reflect the desires of local citizens.
FAQ
What was the Inner Loop East highway project?
The project aimed to create a 20-mile roadway looping around Bryan-College Station, included in the planning documents since 2015.
Why was the project terminated?
The project faced eight months of opposition from east side residents, who voiced concerns about property rights and environmental impacts. Officials determined that the project was neither needed nor wanted by the community.
What happens next with the funds allocated for the project?
Unspent funds from the feasibility studies contract will be redirected to other projects within the county’s Transportation Road Improvement Program.
Will the Inner Loop East still appear on maps?
Yes, despite its cancellation, it will remain on the MPO’s major thoroughfare map until a new update is performed.
Who were the key community figures involved in opposition?
The grassroots “No East Loop” movement, led by local residents like Kyle Greenwood, was instrumental in advocating against the project.
Key Features of the Inner Loop East Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Length | 20 miles |
| Start Date | Proposed in 2015 |
| Funding | $11.2 million contract with Quiddity Engineering |
| Community Opposition Duration | 8 months |
| Final Decision Date | July 29, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
College Station Launches Active Transportation Master Plan
College Station’s Ongoing Capital Improvement Projects
College Station Approves Safety Study for Northgate District
Brazos County Explores New Inner Loop East Roadway
CSISD Proposes Zoning Changes for Local Schools
Housing Market Shifts in College Station Amid Athletic Developments
College Station Residents Oppose Senate Bill 1567
Community Pushes Back Against Proposed Inner East Loop
College Station City Council Evaluates Midtown Development Proposal
Residents Demand Action on Midtown Development in College Station
Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: Brazos County, Texas
- The Eagle News
- Google Search: Inner Loop East Project
- KBTX News
- Google Scholar: Inner Loop East Project
- WTAW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Inner Loop East Project
- KXXV News
- Google News: Inner Loop East Project
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
