Transportation Project Questionnaire

Operational Improvements and Congestion Management Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Dickinson
Project Title	Dickinson Ave./FM 1266 Safety Improvements
Facility/Street/Highway	Dickinson Avenue / FM 1266
Limits	FM 646 to FM 517
Description	The improvement will be a full reconstruction of the roadway including the addition of street lighting, sidewalk facilities, and upgrades to signalized intersection at Deats Road. To accommodate the addition of sidewalks, the existing open ditches will be replaced with culverts.
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$15,000,000.00

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.

The current configuration of Dickinson Ave. (FM 1266) consists of two narrow travel lanes (11’ each), with no shoulder and deep, open ditches on both sides of the roadway. There are no left turn lanes on the facility, so when a vehicle needs to turn left, all traffic behind them is stuck in queue until the vehicle is able so safely make a left turn. Since there are numerous subdivisions and businesses along the corridor, this creates congestion at all times of the day and night. The problem is especially pronounced at school pick-up and drop-off times for Jake Silbernagel Elementary School, located at 25th St. and Dickinson Ave. School buses often block traffic in both directions trying to enter and exit the school; the problem is made worse by the significant traffic queue created by parents who are dropping off or picking up their children from school. Additionally, whenever there is a wreck, stalled vehicle along the corridor, or any roadway repair/construction at least one lane is completely impassible, creating an unsafe situation where vehicles are forced to utilize a single travel lane for both directions of travel. Dickinson Ave. (FM 1266) serves as a crucial north-south thoroughfare heavily utilized by trucks, with a truck percentage of 10% compared to the statewide average of approximately 3.2%. Thus, ensuring smooth operation and reliable travel times along this corridor is imperative. Lastly, since the current configuration of Dickinson Ave. (FM1266) has no facilities for bicyclists or pedestrians, autos must contend with these users in the main travel lane, creating an unsafe situation for everyone involved. The proposed improvements to Dickinson Ave. include the addition of a continuous left turn lane, as well as 8’ shared use paths on both sides of the roadway that will alleviate much of the congestion issues currently existing along the corridor and create a safer mobility experience for all users. 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).

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 Dickinson Avenue Reconstruction project incorporates a range of congestion management strategies outlined in the H-GAC Congestion Management Process guide. These strategies are categorized under Roadway Capacity Expansion Strategies, Roadway/Mobility Strategies, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategies. Under the Roadway Capacity Expansion Strategies, the project adopts the 'Add Travel Lanes' strategy, resulting in the transformation of the existing two-lane road into a three-lane road (continuous left turn lane). According to H-GAC, this strategy offers benefits such as increased capacity, improved mobility, and enhanced traffic flow. This will benefit not only personal vehicles travelling the corridor, but also heavy trucks and school buses. The operational improvements will be achieved through the addition of a continuous center turn lane along the entire length of the project, from FM 517 to FM 646. The center turn lane will allow any vehicles turning left to enter the center turn lane to wait until a safe left turn movement can be made. This will remove the vehicles making left turn movements from the through travel lanes, allowing for more safe and efficient traffic flows in both directions. The Roadway/Mobility Strategies section of the project involves the implementation of 'Intersection Improvements, Traffic Lights, and Pedestrian Islands. This encompasses multiple intersection enhancements, including the introduction of pedestrian median refuges FM 517 and FM646, and upgrading existing span wire traffic signals with high visibility mast arm signals. The pedestrian improvements will result in safer crossings for cyclists, pedestrians and users of all ages and ability levels traversing the corridor. The mast arm signal construction will provide greater resilience to major storm and weather events, allowing the signals to continue to function properly. Additionally, the project proposes to completely reconstruct and update the 3 existing signalized intersections along the corridor. On the northern end of the project at FM 646, improvements will be considered such as the addition of a dedicated right turn lane for traffic headed toward SH 146 to the east. The traffic signals will be upgraded by installing mast arms with high visibility signal heads, increasing safety of the intersection. In the middle of the corridor, the existing signalized intersection at Deats Road will be reviewed for potential geometric changes to remove the existing skewed alignment of Deats as it intersects with Dickinson Avenue (FM1266). The goal will be to create as close to a 90-degree intersection as possible. Additionally, operational improvements such as a dedicated left turn lane (northbound to westbound) and a dedicated right turn lane (southbound to westbound) will be considered. Lastly, at the southern end of the corridor, the signalized intersection at FM 517 will be reconstructed as well. The traffic signals will be upgraded by placing on mast arms with high visibility signal heads. The timing of all 3 signals along the project length will be analyzed and optimized to meet current traffic conditions. In the realm of Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategies, the project focuses on enhancing accessibility through the construction of a new shared use path along both sides of the corridor, addressing the absence of existing bike and pedestrian facility currently. According to the H-GAC Congestion Management Process, the inclusion of alternative mode of travel is recognized as an effective measure for mitigating congestion. Specifically, it highlights that building bike and pedestrian facility contributes to the reduction of single-occupancy vehicle trips, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and the enhancement of regional air quality, ultimately fostering multimodal travel. The addition of 8-foot pedestrian and bicycle facilities (shared-use path) on both sides of the roadway will provide safe, buffered spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists to traverse the corridor while completely removed from the travel lanes. Currently, there are no dedicated sidewalks or bicycle facilities on the corridor, forcing autos, truck, bicycles, and pedestrians to all utilize the substandard 11' travel lanes. It is important to note that these improvements are interconnected and work synergistically to alleviate congestion, either through modal shift or through the addition of capacity. The holistic approach employed by the project aims to enhance the overall travel experience within 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?

Yes

4a-i. If yes, explain.

Dickinson Avenue (FM1266) provides connectivity between Dickinson and League City. The project can serve as a north-south alternate route to I-45 for portion of Dickinson located east of IH 45. As H-GAC lists IH 45 as an official hurricane evacuation corridor, Dickinson Avenue (FM1266) can serve as an alternative to this route.

Other Investment Category Focused Criteria

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

Yes

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.

There are currently several developable parcels of significant size that remain undeveloped along Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) between FM 646 and FM 517. The project will support these undeveloped parcels including large tract lots (4 - 10 acres) as well as high visibility corner lots at FM 646 and also at Deats Road. Per the H-GAC Regional Land Use Information System, the currently undeveloped large tracts are projected to become single family residential development and the corner lots are projected to become mixed use or commercial developments. Utilizing H-GAC's Activity-Connectivity Explorer (ACE) Tool, an analysis of the population and job growth for TAZs 4697, 4698, 4703, 4704, 4727, 4726, 4731, 4705, and 4707 (all within 1/4 mile of Dickinson Avenue - FM 1266), the area will experience an increase of 5,571 residents and 619 jobs between 2018 and 2045. This translates to a population growth of 38.9% and jobs increase of 28.6% between 2018 and 2045.FM 646, the northern boundary of this project, has been listed under H-GAC's 2045 RTP Projects and will be widened to four lanes divided roadway with raised median from a two-lane roadway. When FM 646 is widened, it is anticipated the traffic volumes will grow and spur development along the FM 1266 corridor. Due to this increased traffic from adjacent corridors, as well as additional population and employment projections derived from the H-GAC regional travel demand model, it is anticipated that traffic on Dickinson Avenue (FM1266) will increase over 18% between 2023 and 2045. This project will widen the FM1266 corridor from a 2-lane cross section to a 3-lane cross section including a continuous left turn lane throughout, which will add additional capacity and assist with efficient and safe turning movements as the adjacent population grows. The project will add shared use paths as well, allowing for additional multimodal accommodations to reach nearby destinations.

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.

As the corridor currently exists, there are no sidewalks or bicycle facilities anywhere within the project area creating an extremely unsafe situation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. The proposed improvements include the addition of 8-foot sidewalks to be placed on each side of the roadway creating a safer, dedicated space for multimodal users to access and traverse the corridor. These improvements are critical for the residential and educational facilities along the corridor. The majority of the existing development along both sides of the corridor are single family homes and mobile home parks. Additionally, Jake Silbernagel Elementary School is located on the east side of the corridor, just north of Deats Road. There is currently no bicycle or pedestrian access to the elementary school, resulting in unsafe conditions for the elementary students and parents attempting to access the school by non-automobile modes. Additionally, through a separate project, a sidewalk will be added to 25th Street, on the southern side of the elementary school to improve pedestrian access to the neighborhood east of the school. Together, the bicycle and pedestrian improvements proposed on Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) and 25th Street will result in safer access to Jake Silbernagel Elementary School.

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

Currently, the Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) operates fixed route transit services in portions of Brazoria and Galveston Counties, including in the cities of Dickinson and League City. The current fixed route alignment travels along southbound along Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) from Deats Road to 30th Street. The addition of the center turn lane (widening the current 2-lane roadway to a 3-lane roadway) in the proposed improvements will greatly benefit this important local transit service. The ability for buses to utilize the center turn lane will create a safer and more efficient traffic condition for the buses in the main travel lanes, and will allow the buses to maintain a better schedule and on time performance to meet the needs of some of Dickinson's most vulnerable residents who rely on the GCTD bus service as their only means of mobility. Additionally, the proposed sidewalk improvements along Dickinson Avenue (FM1266) will allow for a future expansion of GCTD transit routes in the area that could better connect Dickinson and League City.

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 reconstruction of Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) will greatly improve safety and accessibility for personal autos, heavy trucks, and school buses during periods of inoperability due to construction, flooding or traffic accidents that occur on the main lanes or feeder roads of IH-45, just 2 miles west of the project area. This portion of IH-45 has been under construction since 2020 and will remain so in the near future as TxDOT continues its massive reconstruction of the freeway and frontage roads. Additionally, the addition of the continuous center turn lane will improve safety and accessibility during periods of inoperability for Dickinson Avenue in the event of a stalled vehicle or minor crash event that could render one lane of travel unusable. This will also allow better and faster accessibility for emergency response vehicles along the corridor. The same will be true during routine maintenance and construction along the corridor. The addition of shared use paths on both sides of Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) will provide a safe and accessible connection for bicyclists and pedestrians that does not exist today. These buffered, off-street facilities will provide critical accessibility for users of all ages and ability levels. Lastly, the proposed drainage improvements including box-culverts beneath the roadway, will create much-needed additional stormwater capacity and conveyance during major rain events. This will allow for the reconstructed roadway to remain open and accessible when other roadway facilities in the study area may experience flooding.

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.

Though the existing pavement condition of Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) from FM 517 to FM 646 is currently in fair condition, the proposed reconstruction of the roadway with a concrete surface will reduce long-term maintenance costs in the future. Additionally, the updated stormwater drainage facilities proposed include removing the existing open ditches to replace with a curb and gutter cross section with subterranean drainage, which will mitigate long term maintenance costs associated with mowing, debris removal, and retrenching. Lastly, the replacement of the existing span wire traffic signals at FM 646 and FM 517 will reduce long term maintenance costs of those intersections while improving performance and safety during major wind events.

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.

3.05

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.

9.16

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 2017 to 2021, there were a total of 320 crashes occurred on Dickinson Ave/ FM 1266 from FM 517 to SH 646, resulting in one fatal crash and three severe crashes. The fatal crash was a pedestrian crash that occurred in 2021 due to the driver failing to drive in a single lane. To address the safety concerns of this roadway, the project includes the following: • Reconstruct roadway to curb and gutter with concrete pavement • Install continuous two-way left turn lane • Install 8’ wide shared use path on both sides of the corridor with 4’ buffer • Install streetlights on both sides of the corridor • Widen the bridge at the West Gum Bayou crossing near the intersection of Dickinson Ave and Deaths Rd • Upgrade traffic signal to mast arm at the intersection of FM 517 and Dickinson Ave, and the intersection of Dickinson Ave and SH 646 • Install new ADA ramps, crosswalks, pavement markings as needed along the entire corridor • Waterline and sanitary sewer replacements and adjustments as required • Relocate utilities as needed The proposed improvements correspond to various work codes, each with its own associated crash reduction rate: •Work Code 518 Install Continuous Turn Lane with 50% crash reduction rate •Work Code 304, 407 Safety Lighting, Install Sidewalks with 46% crash reduction rate •Work Code 108, 305 Improve Traffic Signals, Safety Lighting at Intersection with 33% crash reduction rate •Work Code 108, 401, 403 Improve Traffic Signals, Install Pavement Markings, Install Pedestrian Crosswalk with 30% 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.

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.

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.

Currently, Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) is drained entirely by open ditches on both sides of the roadway. The proposed improvements include installation of a curb and gutter cross section which will include subterranean stormwater drainage facilities. These stormwater drainage improvements will include a combination of box 10' x 5' and 6' x 6' reinforced concrete box culverts as well as 24" and 36" reinforced concrete pipes. This combination drainage infrastructure will ensure the roadway will have the necessary drainage capacity to exceed local design requirements and provide better drainage than the currently existing conditions. By placing the stormwater drainage facilities underground, it will be possible to introduce the bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the corridor. Additionally, the underground drainage facilities will reduce costly maintenance expenses including mowing, trash/debris collection, and periodic retrenching associated with open ditches. Another improvement proposed by this project includes a wider bridge spanning West Gum Bayou (between FM 517 and Deats Road). This wider bridge span will improve the flow of water beneath the bridge during storm events.

Access/Connectivity

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

6189

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

8626

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

6189

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

8626

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

1562

1d. Disabled Persons

1168

1e. Elderly Persons

483

1f. Limited English Proficiency

979

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.

29.6

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.

At least 1 in 3 households living on either side of Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) are defined as Low to Moderate Income by HUD. There are some sections on eastern side of the corridor where that number rises to 7 of 10 households. Many households on both sides of the corridor own only 1 car or 0 cars. The residents surrounding this project area are in great need of safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Currently, there are no sidewalks or bicycle facilities along Dickinson Avenue (FM 1266) between FM 646 and FM 517. This project proposes to greatly improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians by adding 8' sidewalks to both sides of the corridor, each with a 4' landscaped buffer between the curb and sidewalk. Additionally, the number of streetlights along the corridor will be greatly increased, resulting in a much safer and accessible condition for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout the day and night. Other safety enhancements will be included in the project at the 3 signalized intersections such as high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian phase signaling, and pedestrian median refuges as needed.

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 has no adverse effects to vulnerable populations. The list of adverse effects from the detailed criteria and comments are listed below: - Body impairment, infirmity, illness, or death: This project will improve safety for all users, particularly multimodal users through its transportation safety countermeasures. - Air, noise, or water pollution; soil contamination: This project will reduce air pollution through conversion of trips from automobiles to multimodal modes; a soil and groundwater management plan will be implemented during construction. - Disruption or diminution of manmade or natural resources: This project will not affect manmade or natural resources. - Destruction or diminution of aesthetic values: This project will improve aesthetic values through landscaping and additional landscaping planted along the corridor. - Impact upon the cohesion or economic vitality of a community: This project will increase economic vitality and cohesion of the community through improved access, connectivity, and safety. - Impact to public or private facilities and services: This project will improve the impact to public and private facilities or services by improving access and connectivity. - 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: No right of way is required and there will be no displacement. - Increased traffic congestion, exclusion or separation: The improvements will decrease traffic congestion, improve travel time reliability and reduce delay. - 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. The project, if funded, will advance the receipt of benefits of the regional transportation program.

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.

Most of the project alignment is within the 500- or 100-year flood plain. This area is largely developed with residential neighborhoods. Because the project is an improvement of an existing roadway, it is not anticipated to adversely impact flooding. Coordination will be done with the appropriate flood control agencies as needed. The project crosses a wetland just sound of its intersection with Deats Road; there are also several wetland areas adjacent to the alignment. Project work is not anticipated to fill or dredge any wetland areas and adverse impacts are not expected. A portion of FM 517 just within ¼ mile of the project is considered a Texas State Historic Highway Route (1924 Automobile Red Book – Meridian). Based on the distance from the project, this resource is not anticipated to be impacted. The northern portion of the alignment is in an area designated as “Surface Survey of Mounds Only; No Deep Reconnaissance Recommended.” The area around FM 646 is cleared but undeveloped, but the rest of this designated area has been developed with commercial/industrial and residential uses. An archeological survey will be completed as needed.

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 0.31 metric tons of NOx and 0.39 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?