713-627-3200
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Who is Completing the Application?
Please provide contact information for the person who will complete the online application for this project. The email address and password entered here will be used to complete and submit both Pre-Applications and Applications.
Mariana Marmol
HPARD
225-439-1878
Primary Agency Information
Please provide contact information for the agency official who is representing the project sponsor. This individual will be considered the official applicant and must be authorized by their agency to submit this request for funding and make necessary assertations and representations on the agency’s behalf.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department, City of Houston
Steve Wright
Director
832-395-7050
2999 South Wayside
Houston
TX
77023
Additional Agency Information
1980 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1700
Houston
TX
77056
Project Information
Uptown/Memorial Park Connector Path and Bridge
Harris County
Various
Woodway Drive and LP 610 to LP 610 and Post Oak Boulevard (Approximately 10,000 linear feet)
Memorial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, a major activity center within the City of Houston, and an important gateway into the Uptown District (Uptown). Unfortunately, IH-610 and Buffalo Bayou provide a barrier of entry from Uptown into Memorial Park. This lack of access impedes regional connectivity on a larger scale by preventing access to and through the Park from Uptown Houston to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail, White Oak Bayou Trail, and Buffalo Bayou Trail systems. Furthermore, these barriers prevent two-way access to the planned and TIP funded trail connection which extends south from Memorial Drive down the CenterPoint Energy (CPE) utility easement (“Memorial to San Felipe Hike & Bike Connection”). This project literally “bridges” these two barriers and creates two new effective entry portals between Uptown and Memorial Park. On a larger scale, the components being requested for funding within this grant application are part of a larger “Big Loop” multi-use path / trail system that provides connectivity to an envisioned 30mile network that connects the Buffalo Bayou trail system, Downtown Houston, Eado, Brays Bayou, and several connecting trails that radiate across the region. This project is a critical component of this “Big Loop” system. Finally, this project will accommodate a multi-modal link to Uptown and Memorial Park, which can be achieved through a combination of public transportation (utilizing the adjacent METRO network), bicycle, and pedestrian access. An interactive map that depicts this trail in relationship to the Big Loop concept is available here: http://arcg.is/10XDHb The trail being applied for under this application is entitled Segment 2 within the web link.
The proposed project is approximately 10,000 linear feet and has the following scope: • Connects from an existing 10-12’ wide shared use path (SUP), adjacent to Woodway Drive, and extending southwest down the West Loop Frontage Road • Project may or may not include removal of slip right turn lane (will be coordinated through design with TxDOT). This has been discussed previously with the TxDOT Houston District office. • Proposed project connects underneath IH-610, avoiding the floodway; this crossing is on a “shelf” along existing retaining wall underneath IH-610 • After IH-610 “underpass” bridge span back down to grade, then bridge span back up to IH-610 SUP on frontage road • Proposed project follows existing SUP south along IH-610 frontage road • Continue 10’ SUP along Uptown Park Boulevard • Reconstruct portion of northbound travel lanes in order to accommodate 10’ SUP; concept includes safety elements such as a speed table • Continue 10’ SUP east along Post Oak Boulevard • Concept depicts crossing of IH-610 frontage road occurring on both north and south sides of street (see .pdf page 16 of supplementary materials); this will be evaluated through design and may only consist of a crossing on the south side of the street (to avoid conflict with BRT route) • Continue east along Post Oak Boulevard, utilizing existing sidewalk and pavement. Project continues south along Briar Hollow and South Briar Hollow utilizing same cross section. Directional way-finding will be used in this section to connect to the funded Memorial to San Felipe Hike & Bike Connection project. The project scope includes a trail stub into this funded project. • Project connects into 2015 TIP funded path (Memorial to San Felipe Hike & Bike Connection) Note that this project includes a minimal amount of what would be considered “landscaping.” Pedestrian lighting is proposed at the IH-610 underpass connection for safety purposes. Note the following alternatives considered: • The removal of the slip right turn at Woodway and IH-610 was reviewed through 30% design. It was determined that the removal of the slip right is optimal. This will be reviewed during the final design process. • The bridge option chosen was one of three (3) options reviewed during the 30% design process. Option two (2) was chosen because it provided an optimal balance between function and project budget. Option one (1) spans Buffalo Bayou via a separate bridge structure. Option three (3) makes the user backtrack north to Woodway. • The segment along Uptown Park Boulevard was originally intended to cut through private development. It was determined that the utilization of public ROW would be preferred. • The section along Briar Hollow and South Briar Hollow was originally a complete reconstruction but it was determined that the introduction of sharrows and utilization of existing sidewalk would accomplish the same goal.
The purpose of this project is aligned with the draft goals and objectives of the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan: • Improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other alternative mode users by providing safe access into and through the Park along dedicated or otherwise marked connections. This project also creates safe alternative mode connectivity through Uptown. • Eliminates the barriers of IH-610 and Buffalo Bayou. • Provides transit access via connectivity to the adjacent Uptown Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This ultimately provides connectivity to the regional park and ride and fixed route systems. • Expands multimodal network capacity by creating new alternative mode thoroughfares which directly and indirectly connect to major regional activity centers (Uptown, Memorial Park, White Oak Bayou Trail, Heights Trail, Buffalo Bayou Trail, Downtown Houston, etc.) This will improve multimodal Level of Service (LOS) and free up capacity along existing motor vehicle thoroughfares through trip conversion. • This project is anticipated to generate approximately 303 new daily pedestrian users and 96 new bicycle users in 2021. The implementation of this project will enable those new users to choose an alternative mode of transportation, rather than the single occupancy motor vehicle. • Projected to provide an estimated $24.5M in economic benefits through the introduction of shared-use paths, which has been shown to provide an increase in adjacent property values. This large benefit is derived due to a component of this project taking place within Uptown Houston. This benefit is due to a one time property value increase of $32M within the project area. • Serves to conserve and protect natural and cultural resources by providing a convenient and safe connection to and from Memorial Park, which will allow for visitors to educate themselves on the natural amenities housed within Memorial Park. • This project will leverage and extend previous regional investments through providing connectivity to several alternative mode improvements previously funded by federal, state, and local governments.
Yes
13200
No
Less than $100 million
Active Transportation
6609801
UDA Resolution of Support and Funding Commitment Letter for MP Connector.pdf
Project Development/Readiness
30% PS&E
Categorical Exclusion (CE)
12/31/2018
(C)2 - Acquisition, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and improvement or limited expansion of stand-alone recreation, pedestrian, or bicycle facilities, such as: a multiuse pathway, lane, trail, or pedestrian bridge; and transit plaza amenities.
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
30%
No
09/30/2020
Yes
5_Uptown_MPConnector Schedule.xlsx
• A coordination meeting with TxDOT occurred on April 24, 2018. Furthermore, environmental documentation and a letter of no prejudice (LONP) request are being developed and coordination with FTA is on-going regarding this project. This project is intended to be an FTA transfer in order to streamline and expedite implementation. TxDOT will likely wish to manage and let the pedestrian bridge component spanning IH-610 (per conversation on April 24, 2018). If this is the case, funds associated with that component of the project can be channeled directly through TxDOT with the remainder of the funding being transferred to FTA. • Note that categorical exclusion documentation is currently being developed for submission and approval by FTA. The documentation is complete and is pending 4F sign off prior to submission to FTA for review. • The 30% design is predominantly complete. The City of Houston (COH) does not typically require a formal process for off-street projects, but if a formal technical review committee process is initiated, the formalization of the work completed would take approximately 90 days. • The development of these projects have involved coordination with TxDOT, the Memorial Park Conservancy, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County, CPE, COH Public Works and Engineering, and COH General Services Department. Additionally, parks projects are reviewed at monthly meetings of the Uptown Management District and Uptown Development Authority. These meetings are open and advertised to the general public, with an invitation for feedback and written comments. Information regarding agendas and supporting material for these meetings are available within the links provided below. • http://www.uptown-houston.com/about/page/tirz-uda-meetings • http://www.uptown-houston.com/about/page/meetings • Additionally, a public meeting regarding this project was held at St. Theresa’s Church on July 9, 2018. Information regarding this public meeting is attached to this grant application. • This project connects to the previously funded TIP project “Memorial to San Felipe Hike & Bike Connection.” • This project connects to other SUP projects submitted via this TIP Call for Projects. These are: o The Richmond to San Felipe Path o Northwest Transit Center/Memorial Park/Heights Shared-Use Path • Coordination meetings, discussions, e-mails, and phone calls have occurred with: o Memorial Park Conservancy o Houston Parks Department o City of Houston PWE / Planning / Parks o TxDOT o H-GAC o Interested members of the public o Welcome Wilson Group o Houston Arboretum o Silver Eagle Distributors o Harris County Flood Control District o CenterPoint Energy o Houston METRO • Genesis of project is Memorial Park Master Plan (2015) • Project is a component of the City of Houston Bike Plan. • Additional project development work completed as part of the development of Uptown’s 10 Year CIP Planning Process (2017) • Culminated in 30% design process (2017-2018) • Project is currently being developed as an LONP which will further the readiness of the project. This process will complete the following: o Place the project in the TIP and STIP as locally funded. - COMPLETED o Complete and codify the NEPA process. – NEARLY COMPLETED o Expedite the grant execution process should the project be funded. o Allow project development activities to continue under federal protection for reimbursement should funding be made available through this opportunity. • With the recent investment by the Kinder Foundation in Memorial Park (which is specifically allocated for improvements within the Park, not connections to the Park) this project has been elevated to be a top priority due to its ability to provide a “front door” connection between Uptown and Memorial Park. This is why the project is being requested for FY20 funding, so that it can be implemented first amongst the three Uptown/Memorial Park projects submitted as a component of this call for projects.
Map/Location
Benefit/Cost Analysis
UPT Park Connections_Transit-Active-Transportation-Safety-Benefits.zip
UPT Park Connections_Active-Transportation-Emissions-Benefits.zip
UPT Park Connections Supporting files.zip
UPT Park Connections Supplemental Benefits.zip
The facility contains accommodations for both bicyclists and pedestrians. There are different users and trip lengths for bicyclists and pedestrians; thus 2 sets of sheets are submitted for each category.
Planning Factors - Barrier Elimination (Active Transportation)
Yes
Yes
Planning Factors - Emissions Reductions
0.4 tons/year
0.09 tons/year
Planning Factors - Environmental Justice
Yes
Yes
Planning Factors - Expands or Improves Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity to Employment/Schools/Medical Facilities/Transit Stops/Other Points of Interest
Yes
901 - 1000
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Planning Factors - Planning Coordination
Yes
The project is in the Houston Bike Plan, the Memorial Park Master Plan (2015) and was adopted in the H-GAC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in October 2017. The MPO ID is 13200. The development of these projects have also involved coordination with TxDOT, the Memorial Park Conservancy, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County, CPE, COH Public Works and Engineering, and COH General Services Department. Additionally, parks projects are reviewed at monthly meetings of the Uptown Management District and Uptown Development Authority.
Houston Bike Plan: http://tei-houston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0d493ce6ec01481b82cec71bf7f67374 The Memorial Park Master Plan (2015): https://issuu.com/memorialparkhouston/docs/mph_mpbook_final_small_webversion_a_c7f9e7eed3d03c H-GAC Transportation Improvement Program (MPO ID 13200): http://www.h-gac.com/taq/tip/docs/2019-2022/000--2019-2022-TIP-Full-Document.pdf Planning Coordination: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/midowwlbrdknmp7/AAC5my8OtZGYvMX_3CDL8o5Ka?dl=0