The Texas Department of Transportation plans to widen FM 518 from two to three lanes in each direction. The approximately $186 million overhaul stretches from near Highway 288 to State Highway 35.

League City already has its own $647,598 intersection improvement project underway at FM 518 and Bay Area Boulevard, according to the city's League City Listens page. The TxDOT widening is a far larger effort on the same corridor, and the eastern terminus at State Highway 35 (Main Street) sits in the League City area.

The project, first reported by KPRC 2 on Monday, Sept. 14, will be split into two phases. The western section runs from near Highway 288 to FM 865 (Cullen Boulevard), with construction expected to begin in fall 2027. The eastern section runs from Cullen Boulevard to State Highway 35, with construction expected to start in fall 2028.

Each phase is expected to take about three years.

Because the eastern phase is scheduled to begin roughly a year after the western phase, both sections will be under construction at the same time for an extended stretch. TxDOT said the project is needed to keep pace with Pearland's continued growth and the increasing number of drivers who use the corridor daily. The agency also said aging pavement and other infrastructure along FM 518 need replacement.

TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez urged drivers to prepare for disruptions. "Know before you go and make sure that people leave extra time," Perez said. He also asked for patience: "Please be patient and find an alternate route."

Once construction begins, two lanes will remain open in each direction, according to TxDOT. Drivers should still expect temporary lane closures and impacts to intersections and driveways.

Crews already visible along FM 518 are performing utility work, TxDOT said. Roadway construction has not started.

The city's separate FM 518 and Bay Area Boulevard intersection project adds a southbound right-turn lane and extends the northbound left-turn lane. That project's design was 30% complete as of March 2026, with construction anticipated in January 2027.

No TxDOT public meeting or comment period for the widening has been announced. No League City officials have commented publicly on the TxDOT project.