Within this TAZ, population is expected to increase by nearly 150%, from 2018 to 2045, and jobs are expected to increase by 71%. Within a quarter mile of the Valley Ranch Parkway at SH 99 interchange, there are currently 81 housing units; 2045 projections estimate 2,625 housing units which is a 3,100% increase from existing. Non-residential building square footage is expected to increase by 205% in 2045 and lane use dedicated to residential is expected to increase by 36%.
The proposed project includes the addition of the westbound off-ramp and eastbound on ramp along SH 99 at Valley Ranch Parkway.
Yes
New ramps connect to the newly completed Valley Ranch Parkway. And provide access to IH 59 Frontage Roads.
Yes
New ramps provide direct access to surrounding community and SH 99. Ramps pull area traffic from network, versus traffic using alternate ramps, frontage road access, and connectors.
B/C
No
Yes
Other Investment Category Focused Criteria
No
The proposed westbound off-ramp and eastbound on ramp along SH 99 at Valley Ranch Parkway facilities traffic flow and access management in this area. Currently the next ramps that serve these movements are over 1 mile to the east, which means that drivers have to utilize the SH 99 frontage roads through the I-69 interchange. West of Valley Ranch Parkway, there are no frontage roads along SH 99, so access is very limited.
Ramps allow for goods to access region and I-69.
SH 99 is designated as a freight corridor within the TxDOT Texas Highway Freight Network.
The proposed westbound off-ramp and eastbound on ramp along SH 99 at Valley Ranch Parkway facilities traffic flow and access management in this area. Currently the next ramps that serve these movements are over 1 mile to the east, which means that drivers have to utilize the SH 99 frontage roads through the I-69 interchange. West of Valley Ranch Parkway, there are no frontage roads along SH 99, so access is very limited.
Valley Ranch Parkway is a new thoroughfare with increasing residential and commercial development. New subdivisions are located off Valley Ranch Parkway, south of SH 99. North of SH 99 is a large commercial development including big box retail, a movie theater, and a sports complex.
N/A – proposed project is for two ramps on SH 99
N/A – no transit in this area of Montgomery County
The proposed westbound off-ramp and eastbound on ramp along SH 99 at Valley Ranch Parkway facilities traffic flow and access management in this area. Currently the next ramps that serve these movements are over 1 mile to the east, which means that drivers have to utilize the SH 99 frontage roads through the I-69 interchange. West of Valley Ranch Parkway, there are no frontage roads along SH 99, so access is very limited. The proposed ramps would facilitate truck/freight movement in this region of significant growth. The ramps also provide access to or from SH 99 if an incident occurs that hinders travel, the ramps provide a way off of the facility.
New ramp construction would require minimal maintenance for at least 20 years after completion.
Planning Factors Criteria
Project has had 179 Crashes with 1 Fatal. Total Fatality Crash Rate: 3.148
Of the 179 crashes, 121 had injuries and 1 fatal injuries. Total Serious Injury Crash Rate: 44.065
The proposed ramps would complete the Valley Ranch Parkway interchange. The proposed ramp configuration allows the lane changes to occur along the frontage road, where speeds are lower and the spacing between the ramps is greater.
The ramp profiles would be evaluated to determine the hydraulic impact on existing drainage conditions. During the detailed design phase, drainage analysis modeling would be completed and any impacts would be mitigated within TxDOT's ROW to ensure stormwater drainage would not adversely impact existing conditions outside TxDOT's ROW.
Access/Connectivity
2015 weighted % of low to moderate income = 59.5%
2021 Hispanic = 65.6% (5513 out of 8537), 2021 Non-Hispanic = 3.5% (300 out of 8537)
No
Yes
No
Environmental Justice
59.5%
68.1%
15.8%
6.2%
1.0%
9.2%
36.3%
The benefits of the proposed project such as improved mobility and increased operational efficiency would be experienced by all populations, including vulnerable communities. The proposed ramps would facilitate truck/freight movements within the region, limiting interactions of trucks/freight vehicles with local traffic utilizing the frontage roads. Additionally, the ramps will provide increased access to SH 99, likely improving emergency response times.
The proposed design will take into account the locations of community resources, especially those serving vulnerable populations and wherever possible avoid impacts to these resources. In addition, low-income and environmental justice communities will be identified using U.S. Census data and field verification; the design will avoid taking ROW from these communities.
Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources
A categorial exclusion will be prepared for the project. While alternatives for the proposed project are limited, environmental resources and constraints will be assessed and the alignment and footprint of the ramps will be designed to avoid, minimize and mitigation sensitive environmental resources (natural and cultural) wherever possible.
713-627-3200
