713-627-3200
Operational Improvements and Congestion Management Questionnaire
Project Information
| Agency Name | Harris County Engineering |
| Project Title | Wallisville Rd Reconstruction Project |
| Facility/Street/Highway | Wallisville Road - HGAN |
| Limits | Maxey to 1,000 East of Uvalde Rd |
| Description | curb and gutter drainage, access management, shared use path, sidewalks and landscaping, Signal modifications (leading pedestrian interval, crosswalks, ramps) and signal timing improvements to mitigate serious injuries and fatalities on Vision Zero High Injury Network corridor. |
| Timeframe | Short Term (0-5 Years) |
| Estimated Cost | $50,000,000.00 |
Investment Category-Focused Criteria
No
1.0 – 1.25
Current congestion on Wallisville corridor is at 9%. Travel Time Index (TTI) and congestion percentages are calculated using metrics obtained from the StreetLight Insight platform. The current TTI for the Wallisville corridor is calculated by dividing free-flow speed by the average speed during peak hours of congestion; congestion percentage was calculated by finding the free-flow factor (average speed at peak hour divided by the free flow speed) and subtracting it from 1.
1.0 – 1.25
Current congestion on Wallisville corridor is at 9%. Travel Time Index (TTI) and congestion percentages are calculated using metrics obtained from the StreetLight Insight platform. The current TTI for the Wallisville corridor is calculated by dividing free-flow speed by the average speed during peak hours of congestion; congestion percentage was calculated by finding the free-flow factor (average speed at peak hour divided by the free flow speed) and subtracting it from 1. The TTI did not change much due to the fact that this project is not adding any lanes to Wallisville Rd.
Wallisville Road experiences congestion at 9%. While this congestion does not significantly impact the travel time index, the proposed project aims to reduce congestion by providing alternative modes of travel through pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure. Through the construction of sidewalks on both sides of the Wallisville Road with drainage improvements and installation of bicycle facilities and landscaping, this project aims to improve the bike/ped realm along Wallisville corridor, thereby providing opportunity to the area residents to travel to places of work and recreation, schools, and public institutions, by walking, biking, or rolling (for persons using wheelchairs or other assistive devices). Providing bike/ped infrastructure that allows for alternative modes of travel will, in the long term, serve as a congestion reduction strategy, allowing mode shift from vehicles to bicycles and walking. The proposed Wallisville Road Reconstruction project, encompassing access management, curb and gutter drainage, shared-use paths, sidewalks, landscaping, signal modifications, and signal timing enhancements, addresses this critical need for mode shift.
No
Yes
Wallisville Road feeds into Hwy. 90 which is considered an alternative route to an evacuation route.
Other Investment Category Focused Criteria
No
The proposed Wallisville Road Reconstruction project serves as a pivotal initiative aimed at improving connectivity and reducing congestion through improvements to existing travel lanes and constructing new sidewalks and curb and gutter drainage. These improvements will have a positive impact on regional goods movement on the corridor. Designated as a freight corridor where trucks are encouraged and allowed, according to the Draft Harris County Transportation Plan, the project will improve the free flow of traffic while simultaneously including roadway safety improvements (sidewalk construction, intersection improvements, access management, signal modification, high visibility cross walks) to ensure that truck traffic and pedestrian/bicycle traffic remain in separate realms ensuring a pedestrian-friendly environment while optimizing vehicular flow. The North Shore Community Plan of 2021 underscores the significance of the commercial sector, which comprises a considerable portion of the area's landscape. With commercial activities concentrated along key thoroughfares such as IH-10, Wallisville, Uvalde, Normandy, and Maxey roads, the current layout could see increase in congestion, hindering efficient goods movement and impacting local businesses, residents, and schools. Furthermore, the project aligns with broader objectives such as reducing serious injuries and fatalities along the Vision Zero High Injury Network corridor, improving resiliency to withstand future challenges, and curbing vehicular emissions. By enhancing the functionality of Wallisville Road from Maxey Road to Uvalde Road, the project not only addresses immediate congestion issues but also lays the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and community development. The Wallisville Road Reconstruction project represents a strategic investment in improving regional goods movement and promoting holistic urban design principles within the North Shore community. As a critical freight corridor, its implementation is poised to deliver tangible benefits by enhancing connectivity, reducing congestion, and fostering a more cohesive and resilient built environment.
According to the H-GAC Demographic Data Explorer, the census tracts surrounding the Wallisville Road improvement project have seen a population growth of up to 30%. Census tracts adjacent to the road in the north have grown between 4% and 28% in total population between 2010 and 2020, while adjacent tracts in the south have seen population grow between 12% and 30%. There are three businesses with over 100 employees in the immediate vicinity of this project, while just east (within a half-mile buffer) of the project area, there are six more businesses employing over 100 employees. In total, an improved Wallisville Road will serve over 2,400 workers within its immediate vicinity, according to the Activity-Connectivity Explorer by H-GAC. Harris County’s 2021 North Shore Community Plan underscores the dominance of residential use, around Wallisville Road and the wider North Shore community, accounting for approximately 46.2% of the total acreage, with the commercial sector closely following at 11%. This commercial landscape features a diverse mix of activities, such as retail, commercial services, offices, warehouses, and restaurants, contributing significantly to the local tax base. This unique blend creates an opportunity for Wallisville Road project supporting the North Shore community in employing urban design and placemaking strategies, fostering harmony among commercial enterprises, residential areas, and supporting facilities. Parks and open spaces, covering 6% of the area, provide a canvas for shaping a more vibrant public realm and fostering stronger community bonds. There are 6 parks, recreation, and natural areas within a half-mile distance of the project. Currently, commercial establishments are concentrated along IH-10, Wallisville, Uvalde, Normandy, and Maxey roads, while parks and open spaces line Greens Bayou on the western side of Uvalde Rd, with 69 commercial and retail properties within a half-mile distance of the project area, according to HGAC’s Activity-Connectivity Explorer. Single-family residences are scattered, and multi-family developments are primarily located along major roads. However, the existing layout lacks both connectivity and a cohesive identity across these diverse land uses in North Shore community. In the absence of sidewalks and multi-modal options on Wallisville Road, Harris County recognizes the urgency of proposed improvements as a high priority, driven by recurring congestion along Wallisville Road to Maxey Road, extending 1,000 feet east of Uvalde Road. This congestion has far-reaching negative impacts on businesses, residents, and schools. The proposed Wallisville Road Reconstruction project, encompassing access management, curb and gutter drainage, shared-use paths, sidewalks, landscaping, signal modifications, and signal timing enhancements, addresses this critical need to reduce congestion, emissions, and vehicle miles traveled. In line with its Vision Zero Action Plan, Harris County aims to mitigate serious injuries and fatalities on the two High Injury Network segments within the project area (from Maxey Road to just east of Greens Bayou and Breeze Park Drive to Uvalde Road) utilizing safety improvements such as sidewalks, leading pedestrian signals, and intersection improvements. This will lead to enhanced pedestrian accommodations and roadway safety, alleviated congestion and travel delays, improved resiliency, and reduced vehicular emissions.
The proposed project prioritizes walking and biking infrastructure as integral components of its scope, recognizing the importance of multi-modal connectivity and active transportation for a sustainable and healthier North Shore community. The project includes the construction of new pedestrian infrastructure along Wallisville Corridor as well as ADA ramps, high visibility cross walks, leading pedestrian interval for signals, and intersection improvements. the construction of sidewalks and crosswalks enhances pedestrian safety and accessibility, making it easier for individuals to walk to nearby destinations such as local businesses, commercial, and retail establishments. These improvements not only promote physical activity but also contribute to the overall livability and connectivity of the surrounding communities. By introducing dedicated bike lanes, the project provides safer and more accessible routes for cyclists, separating them from vehicular traffic and reducing the risk of accidents. Multi-use paths offer opportunities for both pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely and comfortably, further encouraging active transportation and recreation.
Currently, there are no transit services located along Wallisville Road or the surrounding roadways.
The proposed project aims to significantly reduce inoperability resulting from infrastructure damage caused by collisions with vehicles by implementing improvements to sidewalks, shared use paths, and incorporating other intersection improvements, the project will enhance the reliability of critical transportation assets. The roadway safety improvements scoped in the Wallisville corridor reconstruction (access management, intersection improvements, and sidewalk construction) will help reduce crashes of all severities on the corridor. This will have a quantitative impact on vehicular collisions, including head on crashes, failing to control speed or yield, turning improperly, or crashes caused by road surface conditions. The reduction in the overall crashes on the corridor will also reduce damage to any roadway infrastructure from the crashes, thereby improving any inoperability periods. One key aspect of the project involves the reinforcement and fortification of vulnerable infrastructure components to withstand potential collisions more effectively. This may include the use of durable materials, structural reinforcements, and protective barriers designed to mitigate the impact of vehicle collisions and minimize damage. Furthermore, the project emphasizes proactive planning and risk assessment to identify potential collision hotspots and implement targeted interventions to mitigate risks. This will involve a study report that includes surveys, pavement condition evaluation, utilities, environmental, drainage, traffic, Geotech, etc. Implementing traffic management measures and enhancing signage and signaling systems to improve awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
Per the County's County Transportation Plan, all roads, street drainage, sidewalk and/or hike/bike trail system are to be measured on a nationally recognized and locally adopted criteria. The intent is for the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to be the critical factor for management, maintenance, project, and budget decisions for linear infrastructure improvements. Measured on a scale of 0 to 100, any score 71 or above is considered Satisfactory or Good - thus earning the moniker "B or Better Program". In addition to the Pavement Condition Index, for all county-maintained roads, Harris County tracks the Level of Service as an index. This project area currently has a fair pavement condition index score ranging between 69 and 72. which contributes to the breakdown of traffic flow effecting the level of service on the roadway. To address this issue, the proposed project will involve the reconstruction of the bridge across Greens Bayou with two lanes in each direction and six-inch sidewalks on both sides, the construction of new driveways where needed along the project limits, and improvements to intersections. Since this is a reconstruction project designed to improve pavement condition in travel lanes, add new sidewalks and landscaping in the bike/ped realm, and constructing curb and gutter drainage to replace open ditch drainage, it will improve the corridor’s overall state of good repair. In addition to improving the state of good repair, these scoped improvements will also improve the level of service for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It is critical to consider community institutions such as schools when accessing the state of good repair for the project corridor. For example, located on Wallisville and the surrounding area are schools. These types of community institutions must have special considerations when planning projects. Crashes near schools can be especially disruptive to traffic flow and can create unsafe conditions for students and pedestrians. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that more than 20% of all crashes that result in fatalities involve school-age pedestrians. Additionally, the FHWA notes that crashes near schools can lead to increased congestion and delays, as well as to reduced mobility for emergency vehicles. By implementing safety measures and improving the state of good repair of roads in the vicinity of schools, transportation planners can help ensure that these critical community institutions remain accessible and safe for all users. Furthermore, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), investments in the state of good repair of roadway infrastructure can significantly extend the service life of the roadway and reduce maintenance and operational costs over the long term. Additionally, the FHWA notes that infrastructure investments can also enhance safety, promote economic growth, and support job creation. Therefore, the proposed project is aligned with the goals and best practices identified by FHWA for improving the state of good repair of roadway infrastructure.
Planning Factors Criteria
.991
8.917
Through the construction of sidewalks on both sides of the Wallisville Road with drainage improvements and installation of bicycle facilities and landscaping, this project aims to improve the bike/ped realm along Wallisville corridor, thereby providing opportunity to the area residents to travel to places of work and recreation, schools, and public institutions, by walking, biking, or rolling (for persons using wheelchairs or other assistive devices). Providing bike/ped infrastructure that allows for alternative modes of travel will, in the long term, serve as a congestion reduction strategy, allowing mode shift from vehicles to bicycles and walking. The proposed Wallisville Road Reconstruction project, encompassing access management, curb and gutter drainage, shared-use paths, sidewalks, landscaping, signal modifications, and signal timing enhancements, addresses this critical need for mode shift. With increased multimodal choices of travel and intersection improvements safety will be improved for those traveling along the project area of Wallisville.
Resiliency
High
Medium
Harris County has a proven track record in creating and sustaining comprehensive street and roadway projects that incorporate resilience measures. Given its history of encountering flooding events, the county has implemented effective stormwater management practices. Moreover, Harris County is committed to integrating additional resilience measures to not only enhance the built and natural environment but also fortify overall community resilience. In the proposed Wallisville Road project, where Harris County serves as the sponsor, significant enhancements have been incorporated to mitigate vulnerabilities to flooding. The drainage improvements are meticulously designed to not only meet but surpass Harris County's stormwater design criteria. These criteria adhere to the latest standards and regulations for stormwater management, as endorsed by both the Harris County Flood Control District and the Office of the County Engineer since 2011 (Harris County Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure Design Criteria for Storm Water Management). By implementing these upgrades, the improved drainage infrastructure aims to minimize the risk of roadway flooding during intense rainfall events, thereby bolstering the roadway's resilience to potential climate impacts in the future.
Access/Connectivity
17,222
12,854
Yes
Yes
Yes
Environmental Justice
17,222
12,854
2, 716 households
2,670
795
2675
46.7
The proposed Wallisville project aims to improve accessibility and connectivity for nearby residents, with a focus on underserved communities. It includes recommendations for increased mobility and connectivity between affordable housing, schools, and employment centers to foster economic development opportunities. The project scope involves various infrastructure upgrades, such as sidewalk improvements, signal modifications, crosswalks, and ADA ramps, benefitting vulnerable populations like pedestrians with disabilities, older adults, and children. The addition of a center two-way left turn lane will enhance safety for all road users, reducing the risk of collisions that disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. Additionally, dedicated bicycle facilities along a low-volume, low-speed roadway will provide safer options for cyclists, including those who rely on bikes as their primary mode of transportation. Sidewalk improvements can significantly improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. Studies have shown that neighborhoods with better sidewalks and walkable environments experience positive economic effects, including increased property values, contributing to more stable and resilient real estate markets. Moreover, sidewalks promote public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Harris County's Built Environment Program Public Health Department actively supports health equity through community planning and healthy community design, integrating infrastructure like sidewalks and public transportation. The inclusion of safe and accessible sidewalks can also have tangible impacts on the daily lives of residents, as seen in cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia, where such improvements led to increased foot traffic, local business sales, social engagement, and reduced isolation among residents.
To address the potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations, the proposed Wallisville Road project incorporates specific measures aimed at avoidance and mitigation. The following narrative outlines key strategies implemented to safeguard vulnerable groups: A. Accessibility and Universal Design: 1. The project incorporates universal design principles to ensure that infrastructure and services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. 2. Efforts will be made to eliminate barriers to access, such as providing ramps, accessible transportation, and accommodations for individuals with different needs. B. Risk Assessment and Early Warning Systems: 1. Robust risk assessment mechanisms will be implemented to identify potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations. 2. Early warning systems will be positioned to detect and respond to emerging challenges promptly, ensuring swift action to mitigate any negative impacts. C. Community Empowerment and Capacity Building: 1. The project will include initiatives focused on empowering vulnerable communities by building their capacity to address challenges independently. 2. Training programs, educational workshops, and skill-building activities will be integrated to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations. D. Monitoring and Evaluation: 1. A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to assess the impact of the project on vulnerable populations. 2. Regular assessments will be conducted to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and address any unforeseen adverse effects promptly. By incorporating these measures, the proposed project aims to proactively avoid and mitigate adverse effects on vulnerable populations, fostering an inclusive and equitable impact.
Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources
The community of Northshore finds itself nestled between two bayous, with Greens Bayou marking the eastern edge and Hunting Bayou running along the western side. During Hurricane Harvey, Greens Bayou surged to a level 12.2 feet above the bank, surpassing the 100-year storm level by 1.7 feet. Over the past three decades, Greens Bayou has breached its banks on seven occasions at this specific location, indicating a recurrent challenge for the community in dealing with flood-related issues. The proposed Wallisville project has been designed with a comprehensive approach to avoid and mitigate impacts on both natural and cultural resources, particularly focusing on floodplains, wetlands, and cultural sites. The following narrative outlines key strategies implemented to safeguard these resources: A. Erosion Control and Stormwater Management: • To protect natural resources, erosion control measures are integrated into the project design to prevent sedimentation in water bodies, including floodplains and wetlands. • Stormwater management practices are implemented to reduce the risk of water pollution and preserve the integrity of nearby natural resources. B. Public Education and Awareness: • Public education programs are implemented to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources. • Outreach efforts inform the community about the project's commitment to minimizing impacts on floodplains, wetlands, and cultural sites. C. Adherence to Environmental Regulations: • The project strictly adheres to local, state, and federal environmental regulations to ensure compliance with guidelines for protecting natural and cultural resources. • Regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place to confirm ongoing compliance throughout the project lifecycle. D. Continuous Collaboration with Stakeholders: • Ongoing collaboration with H-GAC staff, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders ensures a dynamic approach to addressing emerging concerns related to natural and cultural resources. • Adaptive management strategies are employed to respond to changing conditions and further minimize impacts. • By integrating these measures into the project planning and execution, the proposed project aims to not only comply with regulatory requirements but also proactively avoid and mitigate impacts on natural and cultural resources, fostering sustainable development.
Wallisville a 2.29-mile shared use path will reduce Nox by 1.04 tons each year and VOC by .24 tons each year. Wallisville a 2.29-mile shared use path will reduce Nox by 1.04 tons each year and VOC by .24 tons each year. Data shows that 30% of trips are under 5 miles with 5800 trips per day that are bike or pedestrian oriented, which takes approximately 3000 cars of the roadway.
Innovation
Yes
The proposed project aims to implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodal, resiliency, reliability, and traffic operations. The project scope is slated to incorporate Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to manage traffic flow and improve safety for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The project will also utilize the latest technologies for transit signal priority. Additionally, the project will feature complete streets design elements to enhance accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities, and promote walking and biking as viable transportation options. The project will also utilize green infrastructure solutions to increase resiliency and promote sustainable development. Through these measures, the proposed project seeks to improve transportation accessibility, mobility, and resiliency while enhancing traffic operations and reliability.
Yes
The proposed traffic signals and traffic controllers will be equipped with technologies and standards that will be compatible with autonomous and connected vehicles.
Additional Documents
Wallisville BCA Benefits calculator.xlsx