Transportation Project Questionnaire

Regional Goods Movement Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Houston
Project Title	Gellhorn Dr.
Facility/Street/Highway	Gellhorn Dr.
Limits	Between I-10 on the south and I-610 on the north
Description	Project includes improvement of freight connectivity between IH-610 & IH-10 as well as intersection operations. Improvements will also create safer pedestrian & bicycle facilities and mitigate storm sewer deficiencies.
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$17,786,415.00

Investment Category-Focused Criteria

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

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

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.

Per traffic counts from 2021 and 2022, traffic mix within the corridor ranges from 12% - 31% trucks. Please see Appendix A, Gellhorn Dr. Design Concept Report, pages 58-70, of the attached supporting Documentation for supporting traffic counts as well as Appendix B, Truck Percentage spreadsheet.

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

Per H-GAC gathered data, the percentage of daily truck volume on the project facility in 2023 is 8%, in 2030 will be 10%, and 2045 will be 9%. City gathered traffic counts are historically higher than those provided by H-GAC. Please see attached Appendix B, Truck Percentage spreadsheet.

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?

Approximately 2 million square feet of warehouse capacity is immediately adjacent to this segment of Gellhorn.

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.

The Gellhorn corridor is classified as a major thoroughfare in the City of Houston’s Major Freeway and Thoroughfare Plan. The corridor within the project limits serves as a connector to several distribution centers and logistics companies in the region, including and notably the Kroger Distribution Center. It is the farthest southeast location Kroger possesses within this region and is the larger of two distribution centers in the greater Houston Area. The next closest Kroger Distribution Center along the southeast corridor is in Memphis, Tennessee. This location is critical to supplying goods to east Houston and most of the southeastern United States. In the event of a natural disaster that prohibits access from the east to western regions of Greater Houston, this distribution center would reduce the passage of freight and availability of food for the region. Please see attached Appendix C illustrating Regional Kroger Distribution Centers as supporting documentation. Traffic mix within the corridor is between 12% and 31% trucks per 2021 and 2022 traffic counts. The corridor acts as a middle-mile connector for Houston’s freight network and links access roads to IH-10 and IH-610, both of which are identified in FHWA’s National Highway Freight Network. The corridor connects directly to the northern portion of Gellhorn Dr. which is identified in TxDOT’s Texas Highway Freight Network. While not listed as a prioritized roadway in H-GAC’s CUFCs, the corridor is located within one of the Top 25 TAZ (traffic analysis zone)’s boundaries utilized by H-GAC to identify new CUFCs in 2022. The existing typical section is a four-lane divided concrete roadway with curbs and gutters, all within 100 feet of existing Right-of-Way (ROW). Identified deficiencies include very low Pavement Condition Indices (PCI), insufficient length of left turn bays, existing storm sewer system with inadequate capacity, flooding, and truck parking in the right lane. In its existing condition, there have been observed potential visibility obstructions, evidence of collisions, and congestion related to truck queuing. Improvements include a full reconstruction of the roadway with concrete pavement that includes two 12-ft travel lanes, a center turn lane to allow for safe turning movements and for buses and cars to safely pass any illegally parked trucks, increased signage and enforcement to prohibit on-street truck parking, and updates to the closed underground storm system, Traffic operational capacity analysis showed acceptable operating conditions for the 2024 reduced number of travel lanes. This project will improve regional goods movement within and through the region by improving roadway conditions through reconstructing the roadway and installing a continuous 12-ft center turn lane. The installation of a continuous 12-ft center turn lane will greatly improve access management, thru traffic movement, and traffic operations along the corridor as adequate and safe space for turning trucks will be provided. Ponding is also an issue along this corridor. Upgrading the closed storm sewer system will mitigate street ponding and related delays. The corridor provides a bypass for trucks routed to the Port of Houston to access IH-610. The current scope does not include grade separations at at-grade crossings or implementation of ITS technologies.

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?

9a. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility identified as a hurricane evacuation route in any regional or local plans?

9b. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility that functions as an alternate to a hurricane evacuation route?

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.

The existing conditions for Gellhorn Drive lack adequate access management for trucks and general traffic operations. Very low Pavement Condition Indices also hinder traffic operations. In its existing condition, there have been observed potential visibility obstructions, evidence of collisions, and congestion related to truck queuing. By reconstructing the roadway and installing a continuous 12-ft center turn lane along with increased signage and enforcement, access management and traffic operations along the corridor will be improved as adequate and safe space for turning trucks will be provided along with space for buses and cars to safely pass any illegally parked trucks. Ponding is also an issue along this corridor. Analysis of the existing drainage conditions along Gellhorn Drive revealed that the north side drainage system appears to have less capacity than a 2-year storm event requires. Due to the overflow from Channel H125-00-00 and inadequate storm sewer capacity, significant ponding is observed inside the project area during 10 and 100-year storm events. Upgrading the closed storm sewer system and adding off site detention will mitigate street ponding and related delays. The current scope does not include construction of truck only or managed truck only lanes. Intersection improvements are recommended for pedestrians as the existing conditions lack pedestrian facilities, sufficient pavement markings, and standard signage. The corridor’s intersections at IH 10 and IH 610 were shown to have acceptable operating conditions without improvements for existing and future conditions.

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.

The existing conditions for Gellhorn Drive lack adequate access management for trucks and general traffic operations, poor Pavement Condition Indices, limited pedestrian facilities, and an inadequate storm sewer system. By reconstructing the roadway and installing a continuous 12-ft center turn lane, access management and traffic operations along the corridor, the corridor will be substantially improved to enable increased freight movement. As freight frequency increases, the likelihood for warehouse expansion is high. In turn, this will drive growth in retail or similar consumer facilities. Installation of pedestrian facilities will allow for safe pedestrian circulation through the corridor and will provide better access to the eight METRO bus stops along the corridor as well. Updating the storm sewer system will mitigate flooding hazards due to being overburden as development increases along the corridor. Improved transportation facilities will contribute to area residential growth and economic opportunities, as it increases accessibility and proximity, allowing more jobs to be created, driving an increase in consumer demand. An expansion of economic centers and warehouse facilities may contribute to establishing partnerships between local businesses in the area. In the aggregate, these improvements will not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also contribute to the economic growth of the area.

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.

There are limited pedestrian facilities identified along the corridor. The existing pedestrian infrastructure along the corridor consists of a discontinuous 4-ft sidewalk. Pedestrian improvements include a 6-ft sidewalk on the west side of Gellhorn Drive and a 10-ft shared use path on the east side. Both the sidewalk and the shared use path are elevated and separated from the edge of pavement with a 4-ft safety buffer that will include landscaping. The buffer is provided for the safety of motorists and pedestrians as well as for aesthetic reasons. Landscaping will be utilized along the pedestrian facilities to balance the industrial feel of the corridor and provide erosion control. Landscaping will encourage and enhance the use of the proposed shared use paths and should be included in the final design. Lighting will be installed along the length of the corridor to increase the comfort and safety of proposed pedestrian facilities. The corridor currently has eight (8) Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) bus stops. Pedestrian realm improvements will greatly improve ease of access to transit facilities.

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

The corridor currently has eight (8) Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) bus stops on Route 11 along the corridor in the project limits. The METRO team showed support for the proposed vehicle lane widths (12-foot lanes and a 12-foot center turn lane), which provides more room for buses, but voiced concern over the trucks parking along the corridor. Recommended signage and increased enforcement would prohibit on-street truck parking and the addition of a continuous turning lane will allow for buses and cars to safely pass any illegally parked trucks.

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.

Inoperability in this context focuses on the poor pavement conditions, access management and drainage issues within the project limits. Out of the eight (8) recorded crashes in the TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS) database between 2016 – 2021, half of the collisions in the Need Area are related to a fixed object. Of the remaining collisions, one was related to a right turn movement and three were sideswipe collisions. Four of the collisions were located at the Kroger driveway entrance and two were located at the second BlueLinx driveway entrance. It is assumed that a contributing factor to the collisions is the poor pavement conditions on the existing road. Pavement Conditions: A rehabilitation project was undertaken in 2021 to replace street panels and improve drivability of the corridor. Driving quality was very poor and anecdotal complaints from Kroger was that eggs broke in the trucks as they traversed the corridor. The bad conditions also resulted in Metro suspending the Route 11 bus service on the corridor until the rehabilitation was completed. Service was restored in August 2022. This improvement is a short-term fix for about 5 years and a full reconstruction as proposed in this project will provide assurance that trucks can comfortably and safely use the corridor. Please see Appendix D of the attached supporting documentation for a detailed presentation of these short-term rehabilitation efforts as well as the design concept report efforts. Access Management: The existing median widths, median openings, insufficient length of left turn bays and median opening spacing create maneuverability and operation issues for trucks. Taking out the median in the proposed improvements makes it easier for trucks to make turns and queue for left turns. Drainage Issues: Gellhorn Drive within the project limit is known for its ponding and flooding issues which make the road inoperable during storm events. Ponding is significant for 10, 25 and 100-year storm events. This is unacceptable as distribution centers including Kroger are most needed to distribute goods and supplies during storm events to the southeastern parts of the greater Houston region and to vulnerable populations.

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 corridor will be reconstructed with concrete which will extend the service life of the project facility and require less frequent maintenance. Materials will adhere to the most current city, state, and/or federal standards to extended service life. Drainage improvements will also improve state of good repair and extend the service life of the project facility as there will be less roadway ponding and improved roadway drainage. The reconstruction of the facility along with parking enforcement will allow for public transit to operate smoothly. This improved transit accessibility will remove additional cars from the corridor, reducing heavy traffic loads that impose a significant amount of stress on the pavement thereby extending the pavement lifespan. Drainage improvements will help prevent and minimize the negative effects of water on the pavement structure that cause deterioration and premature failure. It will also aid in preventing standing water and ponding from occurring, which need to be effectively drained from the pavement. The standing water can seep into cracks, weakening the underlying layers that result in uneven settlement, cracks, and structural damage. These drainage improvements will reduce maintenance related structural failures such as surface breakage due to softened ground and erosion of the roadway, which have historically plagued this corridor.

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.

0.00

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.

0.00

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 project reduces expected fatalities and serious injury crashes by implementing the following: reconstruction of the roadway which results in a 30% crash reduction factor, installing a continuous turn lane which results in a 50% reduction in crashes and installing a 6-ft sidewalk and a 10-ft shared use paths which are expected to result in a 65% reduction in crashes. Any required pedestrian crosswalks along the corridor will result in a 10% crash reduction factor. Improving road infrastructure by implementing clear signage, incorporating visible pavement markings and ensuring proper lighting will also aid in reducing the severity of crashes. Pavement marking installation results in a 20% crash reduction factor, installing edge markings result in a 25% crash reduction factor, and safety lighting results in a 49% crash reduction factor. Not included in the safety benefits calculation template is the installation of landscaped safety buffers which is also expected to reduce serious injuries or fatalities to pedestrians in vehicle-pedestrian crashes.

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.

Medium

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.

Low

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 Gellhorn Dr. area currently suffers significant ponding for 2, 10, 25, and 100-year storm events, largely due to the overflow from Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) channel Unit No. H125-00-00 and inadequate storm sewer capacity. Ponding along the corridor is controlled by both local drainage capacity of the storm sewers and tailwater conditions in channels H103-00-00 and H125-00-00. Ponding issues vary through the area depending on the size and condition of the drainage system. Based on the HCFCD Wallisville Feasibility Study, overland flow spilling over from Hunting Bayou and flowing south is affecting the Gellhorn Drive area during extreme storm events. For a 2-year event, the south storm sewer along Gellhorn Drive is sufficient to convey the flow while the north storm sewer appeared to be inadequate. Recommended improvements include channel improvements proposed and led by HCFCD within HCFCD Unit No. H125-00-00 and to storm sewer improvements along the project facility. These improvements can provide a near 25-year Level of Service compared to the existing. Detention/Mitigation volume of 32 acre-feet has been recommended as part of the drainage improvements and a couple of parcels along the corridor have been identified for that purpose. Replacement of the current inadequate storm sewer system with a new system that meets city, state, and federal standards will prevent the system from being overburdened as development and construction of impervious surfaces increases along the corridor. This will also allow for the efficient and safe movement of all modes of traffic including trucks. Drainage improvements will meet required city, state, and federal standards.

Access/Connectivity

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

The Weighted Low- & Moderate-Income Persons within a quarter mile buffer of the project area is 2,184.

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

Hispanic Minorities: 2,808 | Non-Hispanic Minorities: 332

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?

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

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

The Weighted Low- & Moderate-Income Persons within a quarter mile buffer of the project area is 2,184.

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

Hispanic Minorities: 2,808 | Non-Hispanic Minorities: 332

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

852

1d. Disabled Persons

384

1e. Elderly Persons

147

1f. Limited English Proficiency

493

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.

61.3

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.

The project corridor provides last mile services to distribution centers which offer a critical component in the supply and distribution of goods to the region. Ponding, flooding, and pavement conditions have made it difficult or impossible to use during storm events limiting the resiliency potential for goods distribution. The proposed project introduces wider travel lanes and a continuous center turn lane to help with the efficient and safe movement of trucks even through storm events to supply to vulnerable populations. Within a quarter-mile buffer of the project area, 67.9% of the population is of Low-Moderate Income, and 57% qualify as vulnerable populations. The proposed project introduces a 10 foot shared use path on one side of the roadway and a 6 foot buffered sidewalk on the other. These provide a safe space for non-motorized traffic to traverse the corridor and to access transit stops. It also creates safe public and pedestrian realm spaces for workers in the distribution centers to walk and gather as part of community building and placemaking. The buffered areas also present opportunities for the planting of shade trees to create a more pleasant walking environment. The corridor currently has eight (8) Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) bus stops on Route 11 along the corridor in the project limits. The METRO team showed support for the proposed vehicle lane widths (12-foot lanes and a 12-foot center turn lane) which provides more room for buses. Continued partnership with METRO on bus shelter enhancements, would expand options for pedestrians within the right of way. As population growth and development changes the land use patterns within the project corridor, transit signal priority, ADA-accessible ramps and platforms, are added benefits to residents who are in vulnerable populations.

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.

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities play a crucial role in providing cheaper mobility options for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle. Sidewalks and bike lanes improve accessibility for those who rely on walking or cycling as their primary mode of transportation. These dedicated spaces provide a separate, safer, and convenient route for them to commute as it mitigates the risk of vehicle accidents and collisions. The addition of safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Gellhorn will improve the economic vitality of East Houston as these will promote safe traffic through the area. Well- placed lighting fixtures create a welcoming, safe atmosphere and improve visibility during nighttime hours. Landscaping elements such as trees, plants and flowers also contribute to the visual appeal by creating a more natural and inviting environment, mitigating noise and filtering air pollutants.

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.

The corridor is located within a 100- and 500-year flood plain. A designated channel, Harris County Flood Control District ( HCFCD) Unit No. H103-00-00, is located toward the southern limit of the corridor. This channel intersects with H125-00-00. Recommended improvements include channel improvements within HCFCD Unit NO. H125-00-00 proposed and led by HCFCD in addition to City-led storm sewer improvements along the project facility including a regional detention pond. Through project development, HCFCD will have final approval over any proposed stormwater discharge into their system. Per HCFCD requirements, there will be no downstream impacts to their system. HCFCD has been involved with the development of Appendix A, the project Design Concept Report. This project will provide mitigation for itself. It will not cause or contribute to any impacts to the existing floodplains. Outflows beyond the improved area have been restricted to match the existing outflows for extreme events. There are no adverse impacts to any natural and/or cultural resources. While identified wetlands and floodplains are present near the project corridor, reconstruction of the travel facilities will not produce negative externalities to these natural resources. Historical/Archeological sites exist outside of the project corridor and will not be impacted by the reconstruction of traffic facilities within the corridor. Please see additional document, Appendix E, Oates Road Red Flag Report and Appendix F, Archeological_Site_Gellhorn_Oates.

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.

Will work with H-GAC staff to determine the Emission reductions.

Innovation

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

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