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SH 242 Widening TxDOT 1/12/2015 2:14:46 PMProject Narrative
The need for the project is based upon the following congestion, safety, operations/state of good repair, and economic problems, including: population, economic growth and development; safety concerns (1 fatality has occurred between 2011-2014); current truck traffic is at six percent and expected to increase; roadway design deficiencies. Currently, SH 242 between IH 45 and Greenbridge is a 4-lane highway functionally classified as an urban minor arterial. SH 242 is the primary east-west corridor in south Montgomery County linking IH 45 to IH 69/US 59 and one of the only facilities that efficiently crosses the San Jacinto River. This section of SH 242 connect directly to IH 45, a major highway that feeds into the metropolitan Houston area and serves as primary route between Houston and Montgomery County. SH 242 serves the growing commercial and residential areas located east of The Woodlands and south of the City of Conroe. Rapid economic and population growth along SH 242, consisting of a mix of commercial, industrial, medical, residential, including a medical center and Lone Star College-Montgomery and the University Center, has impacted traffic on SH 242. Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas. According to the US Census Bureau’s population estimates, the total population of Montgomery County was estimated to be 499,137 in 2013, an almost 10% increase since the 2010 Census. The total population of Montgomery County grew by 55% between the 2000 (population: 293,768) and 2010 Census (population: 455,746). As a result, congestion and traffic delays have increased within the project area. Current and projected growth in this corridor is anticipated to generate additional traffic volumes beyond the capacity of the existing transportation facility. Additionally, the separate construction of new direct connectors at IH 45 will further increase traffic volumes and increase weaving maneuvers along the existing roadway. The direct connector being constructed IH45 will add a free flow stream of traffic onto SH 242, which will overload the existing signalized intersections in the peak hours. The purpose of the proposed improvements to SH 242 is to increase efficiency and safety of the traveling public. The improvements to SH 242 are in response to existing traffic volumes, projected traffic growth along the corridor, increased commercial and residential development, as well as the use of SH 242 as the primary east-west corridor north of FM 1960 or BW 8. Adding roadway capacity would allow for more efficient movement of traffic traveling through the area and would reduce the potential for accidents on the roadway. The project would increase capacity along the corridor especially at intersections and access points to accommodate expected demands. The project would enhance safety by upgrading the existing roadway to the current design standards and would enhance regional connectivity to IH 45. This proposed project would widen SH 242 from IH 45 to Greenbridge from a four-lane to a six-lane roadway with additional turning bays at intersections. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations would be included in the proposed project. The proposed project is a widening project primarily within the existing right-of-way and utilizing the existing alignment. The existing roadway sits within a wide existing right-of-way. Proposed widening would occur throughout the project limits, but would be done while maintaining traffic operations. There is not an opportunity for staged construction.Project Narrative
Yes Environmental Assessment (EA) Please Select No 08/01/2016 Yes 7 01/01/2018 Yes The adjustment and relocation of any utilities would be handled so that no substantial interruptions would take place while these adjustments are being made. The appropriate entity or utility company would be responsible for the adjustments and relocations, according to standard TxDOT procedures. No A public meeting was held as a part of the NEPA process on 6/11/2009. Environmental document status is at 30%.Map/Location
Evalutation Questions - Major Investments
Benefit/Cost Methodology
Please attach the completed BCA Excel worksheet and narrative explanation of analyses used