Transportation Project Questionnaire

Operational Improvements and Congestion Management Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Conroe
Project Title	Foster Drive Widening
Facility/Street/Highway	Foster Drive
Limits	S. Frazier St / N. Porter Rd.
Description	Widen existing two-lane road (no sidewalks) to four lane with sidewalks. Scope includes stormwater, water, and wastewater.
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$30,000,000.00

Investment Category-Focused Criteria

1. Is the project located on a facility listed on Texas 100 most congested roads list?

1b. If no, please provide the existing peak period travel time index (TTI) of the facility where proposed project is located.

1.0 – 1.25

1b-i. Provide a narrative describing the existing congestion where proposed project is located and describe narrative to explain methodology to calculate existing TTI.

Per a Synchro analysis, the existing conditions (2025 no build) show that the intersection of Frazier and Foster are operating at an LOS F in both the AM and PM peak periods. Other intersections are operating at an LOS B in the PM peak period. Utilizing the 2023 and 2030 networks of the Houston-Galveston Area Council Travel Demand Model, the existing and future Travel Time Index is calculated from the ratio of the travel time during the peak period to the time required to make the same trip at free-flow speeds, using weighted averages on the links of the corridor. The methodology used is derived from the Highway Capacity Manual, 7th Edition. Citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2022. Highway Capacity Manual 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

2. What is the estimated TTI after project is implemented?

1.0 – 1.25

2a. Provide a narrative describing the existing congestion where proposed project is located. Within the narrative explain the methodology and data used to calculate existing Travel Time Index (TTI).

The City of Conroe anticipates significant residential growth along Foster Drive between S. Frazier St and Porter Road. This growth is corroborated by the H-GAC future land use model and TxDOT Statewide Planning Map Tool. In the no build condition with no improvements, the traffic volumes are anticipated to increase daily delays, too, from 121 hours in 2025 to approximately 1,790 hours in 2045. The existing two-lane roadway is insufficient to support the growing vehicular travel demand along Foster Drive. The four modeled intersections with their current configuration will operate at LOS F in PM peak hour of year 2045, and therefore will have considerable delay. HCM analysis in Synchro shows that the proposed reconstruction with four lanes and signal improvements will improve the traffic operations to LOS C or D for the same period for intersections along the corridor. Utilizing the 2023 and 2030 networks of the Houston-Galveston Area Council Travel Demand Model, the existing and future Travel Time Index is calculated from the ratio of the travel time during the peak period to the time required to make the same trip at free-flow speeds, using weighted averages on the links of the corridor. The methodology used is derived from the Highway Capacity Manual, 7th Edition. Citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2022. Highway Capacity Manual 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

3. Please provide a narrative to describe congestion management strategies and improvements (work types) proposed to reduce congestion on facility where the proposed project is located.

The Foster Drive project incorporates a range of congestion management strategies outlined in the H-GAC Congestion Management Process guide. These include the improvements within the categories of Roadway Capacity Expansion Strategies and Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategies. Under the category of Roadway Capacity Expansion Strategies, the project adopts the 'Add Travel Lanes' strategy, resulting in the transformation of the existing two-lane road into a four-lane road. This improvement increases capacity and will help accommodate Conroe’s projected growth. Additionally, the project also involves the ‘Intersection Improvements’ strategy, through adding traffic signals and left turn only lanes, which all contribute to enhancing the accessibility and safety of the corridor. These strategies offer benefits such as increased capacity, improved mobility, and enhanced traffic flow. Additionally, within the category of Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategies, the Foster Drive project utilizes the specific strategies of ‘New Sidewalks’ and ‘Accessibility Improvements’. While the corridor does have some existing sidewalks, they are disconnected and do not span the length of the corridor. According to the H-GAC Congestion Management Process, addressing this problem through the creation of new sidewalks is recognized as an effective measure for mitigating congestion. Specifically, it highlights that building new sidewalks contributes to the reduction of single-occupancy vehicle trips, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and the enhancement of regional air quality, ultimately fostering multimodal travel. Finally, the project also includes accessibility improvements, through the inclusion of ADA ramps and crosswalk connections throughout the corridor. These increase the accessibility of pedestrians and increase the feasibility of walking safely throughout the corridor.

4. Is the proposed project located on a facility identified as a hurricane evacuation route in any regional or local plans?

4a. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility that functions as an alternative to an evacuation route?

Other Investment Category Focused Criteria

1. Was the project scored under Regional Goods Movement Category?

1a. If no, please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project improves regional goods movement. Within the narrative, please include if the proposed project is designated as a critical freight corridor or a local/regional/state truck route.

This project will enhance traffic operations, directly benefiting regional goods movement by improving corridor capacity and flow. The Project addresses the increasing demand for vehicular travel along Foster Drive, particularly with an anticipated 40% rise in Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) over the next two decades. The project will widen the corridor to four lanes, add a left turn lane at select intersections, and implement traffic signal improvements to enhance traffic operations and reduce delays. This is essential for the efficient transportation of goods and services through the corridor and will support overall regional goods movement. Specifically for truck movement, the Foster Drive corridor expects a 28% increase in truck traffic based on 2042 AADT estimates, equating to an average of 30 additional trucks daily. Without the recommended reconstruction, Foster Drive would struggle to maintain efficient flow rates with the heightened demand. Widening the road to four lanes will accommodate this projected future increase. The project's resulting increased capacity and improved traffic flow will position Foster Drive as an alternative route in case of closures or significant delays on surrounding roads. This is particularly relevant for trucks transporting goods, offering them an alternative route to navigate around disruptions. Furthermore, the reconstruction project takes into account the economic growth and development in the Conroe area, projecting residential and industrial developments along the Foster Drive corridor. As Conroe expands, the improved capacity and flow of Foster Drive becomes crucial for supporting the transportation needs of businesses and industries in the area. This is especially true for the growing Conroe Regional Medical Center and the soon-to-be-developed Hyatt Regency, where efficient flow of goods along Foster Drive will ensure first and last mile connectivity. While the project is not explicitly designated as a critical freight corridor, the enhancements it brings to traffic operations contribute to the overall improvement of transportation infrastructure in Conroe, directly benefiting regional goods movement.

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.

Conroe has undergone substantial growth, with its population increasing from 56,207 in 2010 to over 100,000 by January 2024. A 2022 SmartAsset study ranked Conroe sixth among nearly 500 U.S. cities for economic and population growth, considering factors like population, GDP growth, business growth, housing units, and unemployment/household income. The Conroe, Montgomery, and Willis areas have seen substantial multifamily housing growth, due to the proximity to I-45, and an increasing number of job opportunities. November 2023 data from MRI ApartmentData, a software company offering insights on multifamily housing, shows the number of multifamily units under construction in the Conroe, Montgomery and Willis areas has increased from around 1,000 in 2021 to approximately 4,000 new units planned or currently being built in 2023. Furthermore, during 2023 alone, 21 different commercial developments opened around Foster Drive, totaling over 220,000 sqft of development. Specifically, the AADT on the Foster corridor is expected to rise by about 40% over the next 20 years. The City of Conroe anticipates significant residential growth along Foster Drive between S Frazier St and Porter Road. This growth is corroborated by the H-GAC future land use model and TxDOT Statewide Planning Map Tool. The City endeavors to maintain growth and development by building sufficient vehicular capacity and providing pedestrian-friendly mobility opportunities to meet the transportation needs of people of all ages while also improving the overall quality of life and neighborhood characteristics. The existing Foster Drive does not meet this standard. Widening the existing facility from two to four lanes will provide more efficient access to both developments within, and around, the corridor. H-GAC regional data demonstrates that additional residential and industrial development are announced to be developed directly along Foster Drive over the coming years, totaling about 5,000 sqft of development. Within about 1 mile of Foster Drive, 21 additional commercial developments were announced in 2023 along this corridor, totaling over 220,000 sqft. A significant portion of this new development is focused within the Conroe Regional Medical Center, which is an essential component of the City of Conroe and is located less than a mile away from Foster Drive. Additionally, Foster Drive provides access to Argo Pointe Apartments, a multifamily development with 60 different units which opened in September 2023. Furthermore, a new Hyatt Regency Hotel is opening off I-45, which will attract and support additional growth. As Conroe continues to develop and grow, Foster Drive provides an important connection to SH75 and I-45, allowing for more efficient access to future growth.

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.

The Foster Drive Widening Project aims to enhance pedestrian accessibility across the entire corridor by introducing sidewalks on both sides of the corridor. Currently, the facility only has a sidewalk along the north side for a .3-mile stretch within the project corridor. The new continuous 5' wide sidewalk will span both sides along the entire corridor, significantly improving walkability. This upgraded pedestrian path will create a safe and uninterrupted route to a variety of activity centers, serving neighboring households, schools, and businesses. Notably, it will establish a direct connection to Runyan Elementary School, Mims Baptist Church, and the Tejas shopping center, which includes a bingo hall, a boxing gym, and a bakery.

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

The Conroe Connection Transit (CCT) currently has a transit stop at the western limit of the project, serving on its South Route at the intersection of Foster Drive and S. Frazier St. This location serves as a pivotal point connecting key destinations such as Conroe Regional Medical Center, Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center, and Conroe Downtown. The South Route, operating every 60 minutes on weekdays, plays a vital role in providing an essential transportation link for the community. The Foster Drive corridor intersects with five through streets, resulting in four-approach intersections at Foster Dr. and S. Frazier St., S. 1st St., S. 3rd St., S. 7th (Ed Kharbat) St., and Porter Drive. The proposed project aims to enhance traffic operations at these intersections by widening the corridor to four lanes and incorporating a left turn lane, and implementing traffic signal improvements at select intersections. These enhancements will alleviate vehicular congestion, and in turn, significantly benefit transit conditions for the Conroe Connection Transit. Additionally, the project places a strong emphasis on pedestrian accessibility by introducing sidewalks on both sides of the corridor. This aspect is particularly crucial for transit users, as it improves the walkshed across the Foster Drive corridor, facilitating easier pedestrian access to transit opportunities. With four stops located within a quarter-mile walkshed from the project corridor along S. Frazier St., the improved Foster Drive walkshed ensures more convenient access to the existing transit stop. Consequently, this translates into enhanced transit accessibility throughout the entirety of Conroe.

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.

Widening and reconstructing Foster Drive is crucial for enhancing capacity and traffic flow in Conroe. This improvement will enable the road to accommodate more vehicles, providing an alternate route in case of closures or significant delays on nearby roads resulting from truck collisions. Foster Drive plays a vital role as a key east/west connector in the southeast portion of Conroe. Currently, Silverdale Drive and S. Loop 336 E. are the only other two roads facilitating east/west travel in this area. In the event of a closure or accident on either of these roads, Foster Drive would automatically become the default alternative. The current two lanes on Foster Drive would be insufficient to handle the increased traffic volume in the event of a closure on these roads. However, by nearly doubling Foster Drive's capacity through the construction of two additional travel lanes, The Project would significantly enhance its ability to manage such situations.

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's pavement is in poor condition, requiring reconstruction for improved maintenance. Cracks and faded markings are evident, prompting the use of concrete panels for reconstruction. Without rebuilding, ongoing maintenance will be necessary. This incurs costs for the city and individual users, who face increased vehicle operating expenses and travel time due to worsening pavement and congestion. The roadway reconstruction and widening will extend the useful life of the facility. Moreover, a shift away from driving contributes to the road's longevity. Introducing a connecting sidewalk encourages modal shift, allowing people to opt for pedestrian trips over car journeys. This decrease in vehicle miles traveled on Foster Drive extends the road's lifespan. This project will offer savings in life cycle costs, maintenance, and user expenses.

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.

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.

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.

From 2018 to 2022, there were a total of 65 crashes that occurred on Foster Drive from Frazier St to Porter Rd. No fatal or severe crashes occurred along the roadway. All crashes were vehicle crashes. Top three contributing factors were drivers failed to yield ROW to left turn vehicles (22%), failed to yield ROW at stop signs (20%), and failed to drive in single lane (14%). To address the safety concerns of this roadway, a set of proposed improvements has been proposed: • Widen road by adding two new travel lanes • Proposed a new bridge over Stewart’s Creek on Foster Drive. The proposed alignment utilizes the existing bridge to move eastbound traffic (towards Porter Rd.), and the new bridge accommodates the westbound traffic (towards S Frazier St). • Upgrade traffic signal from span wire to mast arm at the intersection of Foster Dr and Frazier St, and Foster Dr and Porter Rd • Install new five feet-wide sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps and crosswalk markings on both sides of Foster Drive • Install pavement markings along the entire corridor The proposed improvements correspond to various work codes, each with its own associated crash reduction rate: •Work Code 101, 401 Install Warning/Guide Signs, Install Pavement Markings with 24% crash reduction rate •Work Code 107 Install Traffic Signal with 35% crash reduction rate •Work Code 108 Improve Traffic Signals with 24% crash reduction rate •Work Code 407 Install Sidewalks with 65% crash reduction rate •Work Code 517 Add Through Lane with 28% crash reduction rate

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.

Existing conditions at Foster Drive include open ditches on both sides of the roadway and culverts at the adjoining property entrances. The Project corridor crosses natural waterways and is located in the 100-year floodplain on the western and eastern ends, so post-rainfall events typically result in standing water at open ditches. The project includes a new covered drainage system, with over 17,000 linear feat of 24" RC Pipe to reduce the threat of flooding to roadway travelers and nearby residents.

Access/Connectivity

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

5099

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

6875

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?

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

5099

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

6875

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

1508

1d. Disabled Persons

738

1e. Elderly Persons

489

1f. Limited English Proficiency

1113

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.

42.5

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 Foster Drive Widening Project aims to significantly benefit vulnerable populations by prioritizing safety and multimodal improvements, and upgrading access to the transit stop along the project corridor. This project will install sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps and crossings through the entirety of the project limits. This not only enhances safety for pedestrians but also encourages additional pedestrian activity. Expanding these facilities connects with the pedestrian network on surrounding roads, creating a more robust multimodal network. These changes are projected to shift internal automobile trips to new pedestrian daily trips, resulting in reduced vehicle miles traveled, alleviating traffic congestion, and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the multimodal improvements will improve walkable access to Runyan Elementary School, which is located directly off Foster Drive, as well as to the handful of local businesses residing within walking distance. Beyond safety and pedestrian improvements, the project focuses on enhancing access to public transit. By installing sidewalks and improving the pedestrian network, the project aims to better improve access and connect vulnerable communities to Conroe Connection Transit (CCT). This improves access to key destinations served by CCT along the South Route, including Conroe Regional Medical Center, Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center, and Conroe Downtown, particularly benefiting underserved communities with improved access to affordable transportation options. The proposed project aligns with regional objectives to expand the multimodal network, enhance local access, and improve overall mobility. The combined safety enhancements and improved transportation options contribute to the community's advancement, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations within the project corridor.

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.

This project will not have an adverse effect on vulnerable populations. The list of adverse effects from the detailed criteria and comments are listed below: Body impairment, infirmity, illness, or death: The Project will improve safety for all users, particularly multimodal users. Air, noise, or water pollution; soil contamination: This project will require a conformity analysis or Air Quality Statement if receiving federal or state funding; agency coordination will be required regarding noise due to the increased capacity. There are not anticipated to be any adverse impacts to soil requiring mitigation. Disruption or diminution of manmade or natural resources: This project will not affect natural resources. Destruction or diminution of aesthetic values: This project will not reduce aesthetic values. Impact upon the cohesion or economic vitality of a community: This project will increase economic vitality and cohesion of the community through improved access for automobiles and pedestrians. Impact to public or private facilities and services: This project will not impact facilities or services negatively. Adverse impacts on employment: This project will create short-term jobs through construction. The improvements will provide access to businesses and other uses along the corridor, which will encourage economic growth. Displacement of persons, businesses, farms, or non-profit organizations: While minor right of way is required for a portion of this project, property owners along Lightning Bug Ct have agreed to donate the requisite ROW on the north side of the project corridor. No displacement will occur. Increased traffic congestion, exclusion or separation: The roadway will increase capacity and not worsen congestion. Detail or, reduction in, significant delay in receipt of benefits of transportation program: This project is in alignment with local, regional, state and federal goals.

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 project crosses the 100-year floodplain in two locations associated with Stewarts Creek and Silverdale Creek. These areas are somewhat developed, but still have large portions of open space. Coordination will be done with the appropriate flood control agencies as needed. The Project alignment crosses wetlands in three locations, associated with Stewarts Creek and Silverdale Creek. If project work requires the filling or dredging of any wetland areas, coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be required. The proposed project is adjacent to an historic cemetery at its eastern end, Conroe Memorial Park. Submittal for review and concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will be required. The majority of the proposed project alignment is in an area that has been designated by the TxDOT Potential Archeological Liability Map as requiring a surface survey for archeological resources. A survey and review and concurrence from the SHPO.

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.
(Optional)

Over a 20-year planning horizon from 2026-2045, the project will reduce 0.42 metric tons of NOx and 0.53 metric tons of VOCs.

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?