Woodlands Waterway undergoing improvements

The Woodlands Waterway will be getting some upgrades in 2017.

The popular recreational, entertainment and retail destination will be undergoing two projects: an extension of the turning basin and a new hike and bike path and bridge.

The Woodlands Development Company will be adding features to the turn basin -- the wide part of the Waterway near Town Green Park and the Riva Row Boathouse. There will be an 8-foot boardwalk and pathway, three fountains, lighting, seating and landscaping. The walkway area will be closed for construction through Feb. 3, according to the development company.

Another project to extend the pathways along the Waterway is also underway. A new path and pedestrian bridge will connect the East Shore neighborhood, on the south side of the Waterway, to the Hughes Landing development, on the north. The existing pathway on the north side of the Waterway and the trolley path will also be extended toward Hughes Landing.

The hike and bike path and bridge is slated to be complete in summer 2017.

Recently, East Shore residents have raised complaints over the construction practices in use at a townhome development bordering the upscale neighborhood. While that project is under the management of the home developers, The Woodlands Development Company President Tim Welbes said he will try to make their part of the construction in the area less painful to residents.

"There is going to be construction activity," Welbes said. "We're trying to make it as unobtrusive as possible."