Transportation Project Questionnaire

Regional Goods Movement Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	TxDOT Houston District
Project Title	IH 45 NHHIP, Segment 1C
Facility/Street/Highway	IH 45
Limits	From South of Shepherd Drive to South of West Road
Description	RECONSTRUCT/WIDEN FROM 8 TO 10 MAINLANES, RECONSTRUCT/WIDEN FROM 1 TO 4 MANAGED LANES; RECONSTRUCT/WIDEN FROM TWO, 2- AND 3-LANE FRONTAGE ROADS TO TWO, 2- AND 3-LANE FRONTAGE ROADS. (NHHIP SEG 1C)
Timeframe	Long Term (More than 10 Years)
Estimated Cost	$480,500,000.00

Investment Category-Focused Criteria

1. Is the proposed project recommended in a statewide, regional, or local freight plan?

Yes

1a. If the project is recommended in a freight plan, please provide the plan or study name.

H-GAC 2023 Regional Goods Movement Study and the North-Hardy Planning Study/Alternatives Analysis.

1b. If the project is recommended in a freight plan, please provide a link to the plan or study website.

https://engage.h-gac.com/regional-goods; https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/project-sites/nhhip/docs/north-hardy-alternatives-analysis-report-highway-final-november-2005.pdf

1c. If yes, please select the project priority/ranking identified in the freight plan.

High

2. Is the proposed project located on a Critical Urban/Rural Freight corridor (CUFC/CRFC)?

Yes

3. What is the estimated percentage of daily truck volume on the existing project facility? H-GAC staff can provide assistance in gathering the truck data from our website.

7.4

4. What is the estimated percentage of daily truck volume on the project facility after the proposed project implementation?

11.5

5. Does the project facility provide new or improved connectivity to a port/airport?

Yes

6. Does the project facility provide new or improved connectivity to other freight generators?

Yes

6a. If yes, what is the estimated warehouse capacity of the other freight generators?

2,000,000 plus

7. Please provide a narrative explaining how the project improves regional goods movement within and through the region. In the narrative, please mention if the project scope includes grade separations at at-grade railroad crossings or implementation of ITS technologies.

Segment 1C of North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) consists of reconstructing IH 45 from south of Shepherd Drive to south of West Road 8 within a high growth portion of Harris County. The reconstruction will include reconstructing the 8 main lanes and widening to 10 mainlanes, reconstructing and widening 1 managed lane to 4 lanes, transitioning the lanes into two entering and exiting lanes at reversible HOV lane north of SL 8, and reconstructing and widening the two 2- and 3-lanes frontage roads to two 2- and 3- lanes frontage roads. This project is identified as “High Priority” in the H-GAC 2023 Regional Goods Movement Study and is featured in the RTP (MPOID 16335). The project is part of the Critical Urban Freight Network, serving as part of the National Freight Network and the Texas Highway Freight Network.?In addition, the project is part of Texas state evacuation routes. The project will include measures for crash reduction and improved safety, greater accessibility and connectivity, and congestion relief. In addition to the reconstruction and widening of the existing roadway, the project will include improvements in safety, drainage, pavement condition, and bridge condition including bringing the freeway up to current design and ATLAS 14 standards and raising the bridges in the corridor. Need: According to TTI’s 2022 100 Most Congested Roadways in Texas Report, the segment that contains the project was ranked 15th highest in All Delay and 20th highest in Truck Delay statewide. The annual total delay per mile on the segment was 473,679 person hours and truck delay was 27,221 person hours. The report further states that the current daily volume of traffic on the segment is roughly 234,757 vehicles per day, with truck traffic sharing 7.4 percent of that traffic. The estimated percent increase in volume from 2021 to 2041 is estimated to be 40 percent, with truck traffic representing 11.5 percent after implementation of the project. The total crash rate for all crash types over the past five years was 198.78 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles, which is above the statewide crash rate for similar roadways of 140.04, and the fatal crash rate was 1.11. The serious injury crash rate is 4.43. Along the project segment, pavement conditions are fair with a maximum rating of 128, and one bridge is in fair condition. The project has high criticality for regional resiliency, and serves as an important linkage for military access, emergency operations, and to shelters. IH 45 directly serves IAH international airport and has commodity flows of 293M total tons valued at $359B. Purpose and Contribution: The added capacity will improve regional connectivity for all modes while also improving safety by reducing primary and secondary crashes due to congestion and by bringing the segment of IH 45 up to TxDOT and FHWA safety standards. This project connects to Pinto Business Park near the SW corner of SL 8 and IH 45 N. Many warehouses are already completed and leased out to companies such as Amazon, HD Supply, Coca Cola, and Sysco to name a few generating a lot of truck traffic. Because of its central location in the regional network, the project will also produce improvements in mobility and connectivity for vulnerable populations as well as connectivity to schools, medical facilities, and social services for the regional population. METRO could use the new managed lanes to increase reliability of the transit service. Route 99 can continue to use the reconstructed frontage roads. Woodlands Transit could use the new managed lanes to increase reliability of the transit service.

8. Is the project sponsor’s jurisdiction considering strategies to promote off-peak and overnight freight delivery?

9. Is the proposed project located on a State designated hurricane evacuation route?

Yes

Other Investment Category Focused Criteria

1. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project improves traffic operations. Within the narrative, please include if the proposed project includes construction of truck only lanes or managed truck only lanes, construction of an interchange, or intersection improvements.

According to TTI’s 2022 100 Most Congested Roadways in Texas Report, the segment that contains the project was ranked 15th highest in All Delay and 20th highest in Truck Delay statewide. The annual total delay per mile on the segment was 473,679 person hours and truck delay was 27,221 person hours. The report further states that the current daily volume of traffic on the segment is roughly 234,757 vehicles per day, with truck traffic sharing 7.4 percent of that traffic. The estimated percent increase in volume from 2021 to 2041 is estimated to be 40 percent, with truck traffic representing 11.5 percent after implementation of the project. Added capacity from the project will improve daily traffic operations. Current bridges will be raised.

2. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project benefits high growth areas. Within the narrative, please explain if the proposed project improves or provides access to new residential developments, retail stores, other land uses, or if the proposed project alleviates future congestion due to potential economic development activity such as expansion of warehouses or other freight generators.

This Project connects Pinto Business Park near the SW corner of SL 8, Greenspoint, and other office buildings to IH 45. Many warehouses are already completed and leased out to companies such as Amazon, HD Supply, Coca Cola, and Sysco to name a few generating a lot of truck traffic. The enhanced drainage system that results from the reconstruction will improve regional resilience by reducing the risk of flooding on this critical freeway link. Because of its central location in the regional network, the project will also produce improvements in mobility and connectivity for vulnerable populations as well as connectivity to schools, medical facilities, and social services for the regional population.

3. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project improves walking and biking conditions. Within the narrative, please explain if the proposed project scope includes construction of a new or improved existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on a project facility or in the vicinity of the project.

New sidewalks will be built on the frontage roads, which will improve multimodal access. The NHHIP proposes extensive multimodal accommodations and also commits to work beyond, when feasible, the specific facility on projects such as the Emancipation Trail, which ties into NHHIP. Sidewalks will be built on the frontage roads developed by this project.

4. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project improves traffic conditions for transit services (local, express, signature, or commuter).

METRO (Routes 102, 202, 204, 209, 212, 283, and 291) uses this route and they could use the new managed lanes to increase reliability of the transit service. Woodlands Transit: Sawdust Park and Ride, Research Forest Park and Ride, and Sterling Ridge Park and Ride routes use this route and they could use the new managed lanes to increase reliability of the transit service.

5. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project will reduce inoperability for significant periods due to infrastructure damaged by a collision with vehicles such as trucks, ships, and barges.

The project will add lanes and improve the shoulders to allow more space to move disabled vehicles and to better maintain flow on the facility vehicle collisions. The improved frontage roads will also better accommodate diverting traffic should an incident occur that impacts the mainlanes. Further, the facility is serviced by Tow & Go and Tow & Go has been integrated into ConnectSmart, which will geolocate the user in the event of a qualifying emergency in order to move them from the facility in a safer and faster manner.

6. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project will improve state of good repair and extend the service life of the project facility.

The project segment has pavement and a bridge in fair condition. The project includes reconstruction of the roadway, which will lead to an improvement in the state of good repair and extend the service life of this nationally significant facility.

Planning Factors Criteria

1. What is the existing fatality crash rate at the project location? Regional crash data is available online on the crash data viewer. H-GAC staff will provide assistance in calculating the crash rates upon request.

1.11

2. What is the existing serious injury crash rate at the project location? Regional crash data is available online on the crash data viewer. H-GAC staff will provide assistance in calculating the crash rates upon request.

4.43

3. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project reduces expected fatality and serious injury crashes. Narrative must include specific improvements (work types) included in the project scope. Crash reduction factors associated with specific work types can be found in the safety benefits calculation template. H-GAC staff can provide assistance in gathering the crash reduction factors upon request.

The total crash rate for all crash types over the past five years was 198.78 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles, which is above the statewide crash rate for similar roadways of 140.04, and the fatal crash rate was 1.11. The serious injury crash rate is 4.43. Project improvements will improve regional connectivity for all modes while also improving safety by reducing primary and secondary crashes and by bringing the segment up to TxDOT and FHWA safety standards.

Resiliency

1. Please select the vulnerability to flooding score at the project location based on the Regional Resiliency tool. H-GAC staff can provide assistance with the regional resiliency tool upon request.

Low

2. Please select the criticality score at the project location based on the Regional Resiliency tool. H-GAC staff can provide assistance with the regional resiliency tool up on request.

High

3. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project reduces vulnerability to flooding. The narrative must include specific improvements such as drainage improvements that are included in the scope.

The project has high criticality for regional resiliency, and serves as an important linkage for military access, emergency operations, and to shelters. The enhanced drainage system that results from the reconstruction will improve regional resilience by reducing the risk of flooding on this critical freeway link. All current projects are being designed to meet and/or exceed ATLAS-14 drainage standards. This will ensure not only the resiliency of the facility but also its ability to serve the community in a crisis such as Hurricane Harvey for logistics.

Access/Connectivity

Please enter the household population located within a quarter mile buffer of the project location: 1a. Low-Income

13,267

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

16,045

2. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to a medical facility within a quarter mile buffer of the project location?

3. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to a school/college/university within a quarter mile buffer of the project location?

Yes

4. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to a social services facility within a quarter buffer of the project location?

Yes

Environmental Justice

Please enter household population located within quarter mile buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data. 1a. Low-Income

13,267

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

16,045

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

5,108

1d. Disabled Persons

1085

1e. Elderly Persons

636

1f. Limited English Proficiency

3999

2. What is the average Livable Center Need Index within quarter mile buffer of the project location? H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

66.10

3. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project provides benefits to vulnerable populations. Benefits include safety improvements, construction of or improvements to ped/bike facilities, or improvements to transit stops.

Because of its central location in the regional network, the project will also produce improvements in mobility and connectivity for vulnerable populations as well as connectivity to schools, medical facilities, and social services for the regional population. TxDOT has committed $27M in affordable housing project grants for those negatively affected and overall the project will improve and create safer multimodal access for adjacent communities.

4. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project avoids or mitigates adverse effects to vulnerable populations. A list of adverse effects was provided in detailed criteria document.

The environmental document discusses TxDOT’s extensive process for avoiding and mitigating adverse impacts to vulnerable populations. For those that may be impacted, TxDOT has committed $27M in affordable housing project grants, thus helping to mitigate adverse impacts. To mitigate potential short-term noise impacts, TxDOT will provide funding for weatherization and energy efficiency for qualifying low-income, single-family residences. The program will include opportunities for energy efficiency such as: caulking, insulation, storm windows, and storm doors. TxDOT is providing relocation services above and beyond what is normally offered in order to minimize impacts. TxDOT is offering classes on home ownership, which includes mortgage lending process. Eligible for replacement housing supplement and actual cost of moving expense up to 50 miles. Also eligible for rental supplement and moving expenses up to 50 miles.

Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources

1. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project avoids or mitigates impacts to natural (flood plains, wetlands) and cultural (historic and archeological sites) resources. H-GAC staff can provide assistance in identifying natural and cultural resources located within a quarter mile buffer of the project location.

As part of the NHHIP, TxDOT will assist with federal efforts to develop the Emancipation Trail including evaluating the possibility of trail links on the State’s system within the project’s limits. The Emancipation Trail is part of the National Trails System Act and extends 51 miles from Galveston and goes north along SH 3 and IH 45 to Freedman’s Town and then to Independence Heights and Emancipation Park. This trail follows the migration route taken by newly freed slaves and other persons of African descent...” TxDOT will accommodate proposed designated trail links that result from the Emancipation National Historic Trail Study and extend trail links within the State’s ROW, where feasible.

2. Please provide Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) reductions provided by the project. H-GAC staff can provide assistance in calculating NOx and VOC reductions.

H-GAC Staff, Please calculate Emissions reductions for us per email instructions 4/26/23.

Innovation

1. Does the project propose to implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, or traffic operations?

Yes

1a. If yes, please explain.

The project will implement new infrastructure or technology to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, or traffic operations. Brand new Signal Phasing and timing (SpAT) signals will be installed on this segment of the project (Related to CSJ 0912-00-701 that will install 1,100+ of these signals on all traffic lights on TxDOT HOU district roads). The project will implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, and traffic operations and will implement new autonomous/ connected vehicle technology. Brand new Signal Phasing and timing (SpAT) signals will be installed on this segment of the project (Related to CSJ 0912-00-701 that will install 1,100+ of these signals on all traffic lights on TxDOT HOU district roads). This simply broadcasts red, green, and yellow times ahead of signalized intersections to connected vehicles newer than model year 2021 or if you have the apps (Traffic Safely and ConnectSmart) downloaded on your cell phone for older vehicles. This provides ample time for you to slow down before intersections because of the timing and to adequately adjust with flow of traffic- platooning. The advantages are improved safety because of a reduction of red-light-running crashes and carbon emission reductions resulting from better traffic platooning.

2. Does the project propose to implement new autonomous/connected vehicle technology?

Yes

2a. If yes, please explain.

The project will implement new autonomous/ connected vehicle technology. Brand new Signal Phasing and timing (SpAT) signals will be installed on this segment of the project (Related to CSJ 0912-00-701 that will install 1,100+ of these signals on all traffic lights on TxDOT HOU district roads). The project will implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, and traffic operations and will implement new autonomous/ connected vehicle technology. Brand new Signal Phasing and timing (SpAT) signals will be installed on this segment of the project (Related to CSJ 0912-00-701 that will install 1,100+ of these signals on all traffic lights on TxDOT HOU district roads). This simply broadcasts red, green, and yellow times ahead of signalized intersections to connected vehicles newer than model year 2021 or if you have the apps (Traffic Safely and ConnectSmart) downloaded on your cell phone for older vehicles. This provides ample time for you to slow down before intersections because of the timing and to adequately adjust with flow of traffic- platooning. The advantages are improved safety because of a reduction of red-light-running crashes and carbon emission reductions resulting from better traffic platooning.