Transportation Project Questionnaire

High Growth Area Needs Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Angleton
Project Title	Henderson Road Improvement Project
Facility/Street/Highway	Henderson Road
Limits	From SH 288B to SH 35
Description	This project will improve the modlity and safety for bike, pedestrian, and vechicular movements in a cooridor with an existing school and significant amount of new development. The City has perform a cooridor study and identifed that the two lane roadway is insufficent and does is required to be converted into a boulavard section with sidewalks/shared paths and several signalized intersection. Associated drainage improvements will be required to install this boulevard cross-section and improve the drainage in the area.
Timeframe	Medium Term (6-10 Years)
Estimated Cost	$51,600,000.00

Investment Category-Focused Criteria

1. Define High Growth Area Need: Provide a narrative to explain how proposed project is needed to serve a high growth where project is located. (Please provide quantifiable data that demonstrates high growth in population, employment, commercial development or daily traffic.)

The City of Angleton is currently seeking funding for improvements for safety and mobility (pedestrians, bicyclist, public transportation commuters, and vehicles) along the Henderson Road corridor based on current conditions and expected growth. The proposed project is approximately 10,200 linear feet and is from the intersection of State Highway 35 (SH 35) to State Highway 288B (SH 288B). Currently, the existing roadway is an elevated two-lane road that is showing signs of distress (rutting) with large open ditches, storm sewers, and limited sidewalks (only 40% of the corridor has sidewalks). Henderson Road is the only continuous east/west corridor through the City and has commercial, residential (single & multi-family), medical facilities, sporting facilities (baseball/softball fields & tennis courts), recreational parks (Freedom Park, Rancho Isabella Park and Brushy Bayou Park), Social Security Administration Office, financial center, daycare facility, public bus route (13 bus stops), churches, and Angleton Middle School adjacent to or within a quarter of a mile of the corridor. Rancho Isabella Elementary School and Angleton High School are both located within a half mile of the Henderson Road corridor as well. There is a substantial amount of pedestrian and bicyclist traffic on this corridor due to students attending classes and after school activities at Rancho Isabella Elementary School, Angleton Middle School, and Angleton High School. In 2007 the City completed and adopted the Angleton Comprehensive Plan prepared by Baker and Lawson, Inc. This report included a city-wide mobility plan that identified Henderson Road as a major collector. A major collector is defined in the plan as a roadway that is between 1 to 3 miles long with 4 lanes of pavement (44 feet wide). In preparation for the TIP applications, in 2021 the city completed and accepted the Henderson Road Traffic Study prepared by HDR. The study included new or on-going developments that would contribute to the existing traffic loading to Henderson Road which include Windrose Green (656 dwellings), Henderson Road Apartments (120 dwellings), Brown Stone Apartments (120 dwellings), Riverwood Ranch (318 dwellings), Greystone (91 dwellings), and Bayou Bend (36 dwelling). Also included in the study are properties that are being considered for development such as Palmetto Creek (813 dwelling) and an unnamed development (60 dwellings). Traffic counts were collected at six (6) intersection and two of the Angleton Middle School driveways (pick up and drop off). It was found that the current level of service (LOS) for the SH 288B intersection (LOS D), Valderas Street intersection (LOS F), and Downing Street intersection (LOS D) were not currently preforming to the industry standards and would continue to decrease in effectiveness to move traffic as the above-mentioned subdivisions continue to be developed. The traffic study made a recommendation to replacing Henderson Road’s existing two-lane roadway with a four-lane concrete boulevard section with additional turn lanes at SH 288B, Valderas Street, Downing Street, Heritage Park Dr/Buchta Road, Meadowview Drive, and SH 35. Additionally, the report recommended signalized intersections at Valderas Street, Downing Street, and Heritage Park/Buchta Road. These improvements will bring all intersection in the corridor into a minimum service level of C for current and projected traffic loading. Improvements to pedestrian/bicyclist mobility was also considered. A 10-foot shared path on the north side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the southside will be installed to provide safe access to schools and all other facilities along the corridor. Intersections will be brought up to current ADA compliance and will have pedestrian signals to improve the safety of the public as they cross the proposed boulevard cross section. The Traffic Study is attached to this application. This report will provide you existing traffic counts, turning movements, growth projects, warrant analyses calculations, and recommended improvements.

2. Is the proposed project recommended in a statewide, regional, or local plans?

Yes

2a. If yes, please provide link to the plan.

https://angleton.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/6910/Appendix-D_Comp-Plan-2005Complete?bidId=

3. Please provide proposed project description (detailed project scope).

The Henderson Road project is approximately 10,200 linear feet and is from the intersection of State Highway 35 (SH 35) to State Highway 288B (SH 288B). Currently, the existing roadway is an elevated two-lane road that is showing signs of distress with large open ditches/storm sewers and partial sidewalks (only 40% of the corridor has sidewalks). The roadway has several intersections (SH 288B, Valderas Street, and Downing Street) that are currently functioning at a level of service of D or lower for vehicular traffic. This section of roadway west of Downing has large open ditches and no sidewalks with limited available shoulder space which make it difficult for pedestrians to access Rancho Elementary, Angleton Middle School, Angleton High School, business, social security administration office, sporting events, and after school activities. The City has been proactive in preparing for the HGAC’s TIP Funding application by commissioning the Henderson Road Traffic Study (2021) and the Henderson Road Improvement Project Drainage Study (2022). These documents are attached to this grant application and identify solutions to reduce the current and future congestion of the roadway’s mobility (vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle). The identified improvements in the studies are as follows: Traffic Improvements The Henderson Road Traffic Study evaluated current and future traffic loading including the new developments occurring in the area that would contribute to the future congestion in the corridor. The study identified a need to replace the two-lane roadway with a four-lane boulevard section to effectively route the traffic in the area. The study also captured traffic counts and turning movements which were utilized for warrant calculation at the intersections. The following are recommended improvements to the existing intersections: SH 288B Intersection An additional two lanes to be added to the west bound approach on Henderson. An additional turn lane on the east bound approach on Henderson. An additional turn lane on north bound approach on SH 288B. Valderas Street Intersection An additional two lanes to be added to the west bound and east bound approaches on Henderson. An additional lane to be added to the South bound approach on Valderas. Signalization to be added to the intersection. Downing Street Intersection An additional Lane to be added to the west bound and east bound approaches on Henderson. Change the stop sign to a yield sign on the south bound approach right turn on Downing. Signalization to be added to the intersection. Heritage Park Drive/Buchta Road Intersection An additional Lane to be added to the west bound and east bound approaches on Henderson. Signalization to be added to the intersection. Meadowview Street Intersection An additional Lane to be added to the west bound and east bound approaches on Henderson. SH 35 An additional lane to be added to east bound approach on Henderson. An additional lane to be added on south bound approach on SH 35. Improvements to pedestrian mobility was also considered. A 10-foot shared path on the north side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the southside will be installed to provide safe access to schools and all other facilities along the corridor. Intersections will be brought up to current ADA compliance and will have push button crossing to improve the safety of the public as they cross the proposed boulevard cross section. This will provide access for pedestrian traffic to all facilities and functions on the Henderson corridor. Drainage Improvements In order to accomplish the identified improvements in the Henderson Road Traffic Study, the existing large roadside ditches and storm sewers adjacent to the existing Henderson Road must be replaced. The existing storm sewer adjacent to Angleton Middle School were set too high and impacts the water shed’s ability to convey runoff west of Downing Road. The existing open ditch drainage system has a capacity of approximately 25-year storm event and once this capacity is reached flooding occurs in the Rancho Isabella Subdivision (include Rancho Isabella Elementary). This limits the ingress and egress access for residents/parents and emergency vehicles during times of inclement weather. The existing Henderson Drainage system accepts runoff from approximately 271 acres. The existing storm sewer at the Angleton Middle School must upsized and lowered. The existing large drainage ditches must be enclosed along the full project length to provide sufficient room for the proposed boulevard section, intersection signal and turn lane upgrades, and pedestrian safety improvement. The proposed improvements identified in the study will provide the area a system with a 100-year capacity and lower the flood elevation to the schools, businesses and subdivisions in the area. Starting on the east side of the corridor, near SH 35, the proposed improvements begin as a 42-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) and continues to the west until Meadowview Drive. From Meadowview Drive the drainage system is upsized to a 60-inch RCP continuing west to the outfall at Rancho Ditch. Beginning at Heritage Park Drive a section of triple 8-foot x 5-foot Reinforced Box Culverts (RCB) will be installed to east and outfall into Rancho Ditch. Beginning on the west side of the Corridor at Valderas Street, dual 54-inch RCP will be installed east to Downing Street. From Downing Street, a section of triple 10-foot x 5-foot RCB will be installed to the existing outfall location (will be replaced) 350-feet west of Buchta/Heritage Park intersection into Brushy Bayou. All drainage improvements ultimately outfall into Brushy Bayou. The Henderson Road Improvement Drainage Study identified a need for 45.3 acre-ft of detention to mitigate the impacts to Brushy Bayou. The City of Angleton has recently approached the Angleton Drainage District (ADD), who has permitting authority and has maintenance responsibility on Brushy Bayou, about partnering with the City on this project. ADD has available offsite detention at the Rabb Road Regional Detention Facility to mitigate the impacts to Brushy Bayou. ADD has agreed that they would partner with the City on this project and provide the required amount of detention to mitigate the impacts of the proposed improvements at the Rabb Road Detention Facility. The City has recently authorized HDR to complete a preliminary layout (plan view only) of the proposed improvement included in the above mentioned traffic and drainage studies to identify if there is a need for additional right-of-way. The preliminary layout will include all identified improvements to the paving cross sections, intersection upgrades, shared paths/sidewalks, and drainage systems. HDR will then identify any locations where additional right-of-way is required. The city will then begin the process of negotiating and acquiring any right-of-way (if any) for this project. The city will be responsible for any additional right-of-way costs and no funding for right-of-way acquisition is included in this TIP application.

3a. Does the project provide access to new planned land use development (residential or commercial), or connects existing discontinuous networks?

Yes

3a-i. If yes, explain.

Henderson Road is the only continuous east and west major collector road in the City of Angleton and connects to two (2) north and south arterial roads (SH 35 and SH 288B) and three (3) north and south major collector roads (Valderas Street, Downing Street, and Buchta Road). Currently there are six (6) new development that will utilize Henderson Road to access these arterial and major collector roads. These developments are the Windrose Green Subdivision (656 dwellings), Henderson Road Apartments (120 dwellings), Brown Stone Apartments (120 dwellings), Riverwood Ranch Subdivision (318 dwellings), Greystone Subdivision (91 dwellings), and Bayou Bend Subdivision (36 dwelling). Ther are other developments that the City is in discussions with such as Palmetto Creek (813 dwelling) and an unnamed development (60 dwellings) that will add to the demands on Henderson Road. Henderson Road currently has very limited opportunities for pedestrian and bicyclist traffic. There are no sidewalks/shared paths from Downing Street west to SH 288B and have large open ditches causing pedestrian/ bicyclist to walk/ride along the side or the edge of pavement (no shoulder). Children that that attend Angleton Middle School that walk or ride a bicycle from areas located west of Downing Street are affected by the lack of existing sidewalks/shared paths and affects their ability to safely assess the three schools in the area (including after school activities such as band, sports, etc.), recreational parks, and other area businesses. There are also 4 multifamily developments located on the east side of Downing that include senior citizens and residents that have subsidized rent, assisted rent, or Housing Choice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8) that do not have the ability to walk/bike to the west side of the corridor to the Social Security Administration Office. Businesses that service the community such as Greenhouse Child Care and Learning Center, Gulf Coast Driving Academy, Family First Primary Care, Master Lee’s USK Tae Kwon Do Studio, Patrick P Thomas, D.D.S. General Dentist Office, and TDECU Bank do not have accessibility for pedestrian/cyclist as well. The Henderson Road Project will include a 10-foot side path on the north side and a 5-wide sidewalk on the south side. These improvements will connect the new sidewalk and shared path to the existing sidewalk systems that are currently disconnected located on Valderas Street (major collector roadway) and Downing Street (major collector roadway). These improvements will connect residents of all ages and socioeconomic status and provide safe access to the three area schools, recreational parks, commercial business, medical facilities, and Social Security Administration office.

3b. Does the project expand existing networks to alleviate anticipated congestions?

Yes

3b-i. If yes, explain.

A traffic study conducted in June 2021 shows that 4 of the major intersections on Henderson Road between Business 288 and SH 35 will have a level of service of F during the afternoon peak hour by year 2030 due to population growth and residential developments. Level of service is a term used by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) which compares traffic volumes to the roadway and intersection capacities. A level of service F typically means congestions and long delays at the roadway intersection. The project proposes an expansion of Henderson Road from a 2-lane roadway to a 4-lane roadway. Intersection level improvements include upgrading existing turn lanes to TxDOT standards, adding turn lanes, and signalizing three intersections. Once these proposed updates to the roadway are complete, the level of service will improve from F to D or better for all 4 intersections previously described during the afternoon peak hour. The morning peak hour shows a similar level of improvement from level of service F to C or better for three of the major intersections on Henderson Road between Business 288 and SH 35. The proposed updates should also improve traffic congestion along the entire Henderson Road corridor between Business 288 and SH 35 with the additional capacity of 2 more through lanes and with the added coordination between all signalized intersections. This corridor is the only east-west corridor between SH 35 and SH 288B (downtown Angleton), so this project could improve traffic congestion within the entire City of Angleton.

3b-ii. What is the estimated Level of Service after the project is completed.

Minimum Level of Service D

4. Does the proposed project provide an alternative route to existing corridor (Road or commuter transit)?

Yes

4a. If yes, explain.

The project proposes an expansion of Henderson Road from a 2-lane roadway to a 4-lane roadway and intersection improvements including, upgrading existing turn lanes to TxDOT standards, adding turn lanes, and signalizing three intersections. These updates will improve both the capacity and traffic operations of Henderson Road, thus providing a more viable alternative to existing corridors such as FM 523 for motorists. The proposed project will also provide an alternative route for pedestrians. The proposed 10’ shared use path on the north side and 5’ sidewalk on the south side of Henderson Road will provide a complete east-west connection for pedestrians and bikers along the corridor. These improvements will connect to the existing sidewalk systems that are currently disconnected located on Valderas Street (major collector roadway) and Downing Street (major collector roadway). The improved connectivity will not only provide an alternative route for pedestrians but also provide an alternative to driving for some pedestrians.

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

5a. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility that functions as an alternative to an evacuation route?

Yes

5a-i. If yes, explain.

Model.HighGrowthAreaNeedsQuestionnaire.InvestmentCategory5ai

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 currently does not have an excessive amount of regional goods movement in the corridor. Therefore, it was not submitted to HGAC for TIP Funding consideration.

2. 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.

A traffic study conducted in June 2021 shows that 4 of the major intersections on Henderson Road between SH 288B and SH 35 will have a level of service of F during the afternoon peak hour by year 2030 due to population growth and residential developments. Level of service is a term used by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) which compares traffic volumes to the roadway and intersection capacities. A level of service F typically means congestions and long delays at the roadway intersection. The project proposes an expansion of Henderson Road from a 2-lane roadway to a 4-lane roadway. Intersection level improvements include upgrading existing turn lanes to TxDOT standards, adding turn lanes, and signalizing three intersections. Once these proposed updates to the roadway are complete, the level of service will improve from F to D or better for all 4 intersections previously described during the afternoon peak hour. The morning peak hour shows a similar level of improvement from level of service F to C or better for three of the major intersections on Henderson Road between SH 288B and SH 35. The proposed updates should also improve traffic operations along the entire Henderson Road corridor between SH 288B and SH 35 with the additional capacity of 2 more through lanes and with the added coordination between all signalized intersections. This corridor is the only east-west corridor between SH 35 and SH 288B (downtown Angleton), so this project could improve traffic operations within the entire City of Angleton.

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 project corridor, Henderson Road between SH 288B and SH 35, has no continuous sidewalks, shared use paths, or bicycle lanes today. The project proposes an addition of a 10’ shared use path on the north side and a 5’ sidewalk on the south side of the corridor. This proposed shared use path will provide an east-west connection along Henderson Road for pedestrians and bikers. In addition, the proposed crosswalk and pedestrian signals at North Downing Street will provide a north-south connection right in the center of the Henderson Road corridor. These two improvements will combine to provide new multi-modal connections for all these regional traffic generators: Rancho Isabella Elementary School, Angleton Middle School, Angleton High School, Freedom Park, Rancho Isabella Park, Brushy Bayou Park, and existing and proposed residentials developments.

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

Currently, there are two public bus routes provided by the Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) that go through the project area on Henderson Road. These bus routes include 13 bus stops on Henderson Road. Each time a bus stops at one of these 13 bus stops, traffic will have to stop and wait for the bus to service commuters because the corridor is predominantly a 2-lane roadway. The project proposes an expansion of Henderson Road from a 2-lane roadway to a 4-lane roadway, which will allow for buses to service commuters while still allowing traffic to progress through the corridor by using the additional through lane. In addition to the corridor expansion, the project also proposes intersection level improvements such as upgrading existing turn lanes to TxDOT standards, adding turn lanes, and signalizing three intersections. Per the traffic study conducted in June 2021, these roadway changes will improve the corridor’s traffic operations, which includes the bus system operations. The additional through lane will add a level of safety to the bus operation by allowing more space for buses to service commuters along the 13 bus stops on Henderson Road. The current two-lane configuration has a certain risk for heavy traffic congestion and interruption of the bus system if there are any stalled vehicles, accidents, or utility service vehicles that could potentially shutdown one of the through lanes.

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 project corridor, Henderson Road, is a two-lane roadway. Any vehicular or infrastructure accidents could lead to a partial or complete shutdown of the corridor due to the narrowness of the current roadway. Emergency and commuter vehicles may not be able to progress through the corridor in the case of a major accident. The additional through lane would provide more space to allow emergency and commuter vehicles to progress past any major accidents and through the entire corridor without significant delays.

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 project proposes an expansion of Henderson Road and would most likely involve replacing the existing 2-lane roadway with a new boulevard section, thus improving the existing roadway conditions. The additional through lane would shift the traffic demand from only two lanes of roadway to four lanes of roadway, which should extend the service life of each roadway lane in comparison to the service life of each lane of the current 2-lane roadway. In addition, the proposed shared use path and intersection improvements at North Downing Street would provide a multi-modal option for the region’s inhabitants and may decrease the demand for vehicular traffic, which would extend the service life of the project facility as well. Overall, these improvements should improve the state of good repair by reducing the need for maintenance on the project facility.

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.

The existing fatality crash rate is zero along Henderson Roadway between SH 288B and SH 35.

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.

The existing fatality crash rate is zero along Henderson Roadway between SH 288B and SH 35.

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.

According to H-GAC’s safety benefits calculation template, the project is categorized as a safety improvement type of converting a 2-lane facility to a 4-lane divided facility, which is a work type code of 538. The crash reduction factor would be 45%. The project also includes installing traffic signals at three intersections along Henderson Road. This safety improve type has a work code of 107, and the crash reduction factor would be 28%. As mentioned in previous responses, the existing fatality crash rate and existing serious injury crash rate are zero. On the other hand, the crash rate may increase in the future with the increase in population growth, residential developments, and corridor congestion, thus the project’s potential to reduce crashes may still be an important factor to consider.

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.

Model.HighGrowthAreaNeedsQuestionnaire.Resiliency2

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 existing drainage on Henderson roadway consist of a combination of large open ditches and storm sewers which drain approximately 271 acres. The large existing ditches provides approximately a 4% annual exceedance (25-year) level of service. The existing storm system that was installed adjacent to the Angleton Middle School along Henderson Road was installed too high limiting the capacity of the remaining portions of the upstream drainage system. Once the existing drainage system’s capacity is reached, flooding occurs in the subdivision such as Rancho Isabella Subdivision (including Rancho Isabella Elementary) which limits the access for residents and emergency vehicles during times of inclement weather. The City has been proactive in preparing for the HGAC’s TIP Funding application by completing and accepting the Henderson Road Improvement Project Drainage Study (2022). This document identifies solutions to address the current and future drainage issues. The proposed improvements identified in the study will provide storm sewer capacity to contain the 1% annual exceedance (100-year) flow rate (Atlas-14 Data) along Henderson Road and provide flood risk reduction benefits to the adjacent neighborhoods. These drainage improvements will also allow for the installation of the proposed paving cross section and intersection improvements providing a more efficient and safer passage that will reduce congestion along the corridor (vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian). Starting on the east side of the corridor, near SH 35, the proposed improvements begin as a 42-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) and continues to the west until Meadowview Drive. From Meadowview Drive the drainage system changes to a 60-inch RCP continuing west to the outfall at Rancho Ditch. Beginning at Heritage Park Drive a section of triple 8-foot x 5-foot Reinforced Box Culverts (RCB) will be installed heading east ultimately out falling into Rancho Ditch. Beginning on the west side of the corridor at Valderas Street a dual 54-inch RCP will be installed continuing east to Downing Street. From Downing Street, a section of triple 10-foot x 5-foot RCB will be installed east to the existing outfall location to Brushy Bayou that is located just west of Buchta Road intersection. All drainage improvements ultimately outfall into Brushy Bayou. The Henderson Road Improvement Drainage Study identified a need for 45.3 acre-ft of detention to mitigate the impact to Brushy Bayou. The City of Angleton has approached the Angleton Drainage District (ADD), who has permitting authority and maintenance responsibility on Brushy Bayou, about a partnership for this project where ADD would provide the needed detention volume at the Rabb Road Regional Detention Facility to mitigate the impacts to Brushy Bayou. ADD has agreed that they would partner with the City on this project and provide and build the required amount of detention to mitigate the impacts of the proposed improvements.

Access/Connectivity

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

2,195

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

1,009

12. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to a medical facility within a quarter mile buffer of the project location?

Yes

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?

Yes

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

2,195

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

1,009

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

474

1d. Disabled Persons

1,022

1e. Elderly Persons

1,468

1f. Limited English Proficiency

187

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.

37.40015

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.

Henderson Road currently has very limited opportunities for pedestrian and bicyclist. There are no sidewalks/shared paths from Downing Street west to SH 288B. There are large open ditches in sections of the corridor causing pedestrian/ bicyclist to walk/ride along the side or the edge of pavement (no shoulder). Businesses that service the community such as Greenhouse Child Care and Learning Center, Gulf Coast Driving Academy, Family First Primary Care, Master Lee’s USK Tae Kwon Do Studio, Patrick P Thomas, D.D.S. General Dentist Office, and TDECU Bank do not have accessibility for pedestrian/cyclist. Students that attend Rancho Issabella Elementary, Angleton Middle School, and Angleton High School that walk or ride a bicycle from areas located west of Downing Street are also affected by the lack of existing sidewalks/shared paths. This effects their ability to attend after school activities such as band, sports, etc. Also, there are 4 multifamily developments located on the east side of Downing that include seniors and are subsidized, rent assisted, or Housing Choice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8) that do not have the ability to walk/bike to the Social Security Administration office which is located on the west side of Downing Street. The Henderson Road Project will include a 10-foot side path on the north side and a 5-wide sidewalk on the south side from SH 35 to SH 288B. These improvements will connect the new sidewalks and shared path to the existing sidewalk systems that are currently disconnected located on Valderas Street (major collector roadway) and Downing Street (major collector roadway). These improvements will allow residents that are pedestrians/bicyclists of all ages and socioeconomic status to safely access the three Schools (Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton Middle School, and Angleton High School), recreational parks (Freedom Park, Rancho Issabella Park and Brush Bayou Park), commercial business, medical facilities, and Social Security Administration office located on or within a half mile of the Henderson Road Corridor. The Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) provides public transportation for residents in the City of Angleton. There are several GCTD bus stops along the Henderson Road for residents that utilize public transportation to complete their daily activities. Henderson’s current road configuration is a two-lane roadway. When residents require public transportation, the GCTD bus must stop in a lane of traffic to provide assess for loading or unloading passengers which blocks that lane and increases the congestion on the roadway. The proposed Henderson Road is a boulevard section that would allow the GCTD bus to utilize the outside lane to pick up or drop off passengers while leaving the inside lane open for continuous traffic movements. This will improve the safety and reduce congestion on the roadway.

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.

Among the list of adverse effects found in the H-GAC Project Selection Process Criteria, several adverse effects are mitigated and/or positively impacted through this project. Per the results of the traffic study conducted in June 2021, the traffic congestion should be reduced when the proposed roadway widening and intersection improvements on Henderson Road have been built. This reduction in traffic congestion will result in better fuel economy and a decrease in air pollution as well. As mentioned in previous responses, the proposed shared use path and the proposed crosswalk and pedestrian signals will provide new multi-modal connections for the region’s major traffic generators. The Henderson Road Project will include a 10-foot side path on the north side and a 5-wide sidewalk on the south side. These improvements will connect the new sidewalk and shared path of the entire corridor to the existing sidewalk systems that are currently disconnected located on Valderas Street (major collector roadway), Downing Street (major collector roadway), and Buchta Road (major collector roadway). Children that that attend Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton Middle School, and Angleton High School that walk or ride a bicycles from areas located west of Downing Street are affected by the lack of existing sidewalks/shared paths and affects their ability to safely assess the three schools in the area (including after school activities such as band, sports, etc.) and recreational parks (Freedom Park, Rancho Issabella Park and Brushy Bayou Park). The 4 multifamily developments located on the east side of Downing that include senior citizens and residents that have subsidized rent, assisted rent, or Housing Choice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8) that do not have the ability to walk/bike to the west side of Downing. The improvements will allow these vulnerable populations access to the Social Security Administration and other businesses such as Greenhouse Child Care and Learning Center, Gulf Coast Driving Academy, Family First Primary Care, Master Lee’s USK Tae Kwon Do Studio, Patrick P Thomas, D.D.S. General Dentist Office, TDECU Bank, etc which are located on the west end of Henderson Road. The Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) provides public transportation for residents in the City of Angleton. There are several GCTD bus stops along the Henderson Road for residents that utilize public transportation to complete their daily activities. The proposed Henderson Road is a boulevard section that would allow the GCTD bus to utilize the outside lane to pick up or drop off passengers while leaving the inside lane open for continuous traffic movements. This will improve the safety of the commuters and reduce congestion on the roadway. The proposed drainage improvements will increase storm sewer capacity to contain the 1% annual exceedance (100-year) flow rate along Henderson Road and provide flood risk reduction to the adjacent neighborhoods which drain toward Henderson Road and will increase the accessibility for emergency vehicles to flood prone subdivision streets. These drainage improvements will also allow for the installation of the proposed paving cross section and intersection improvements providing a more efficient and safer passage that will reduce congestion along the corridor (vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian). The new multi-modal connections and drainage improvements should positively impact the cohesion and economic vitality of the community, public and private facilities and services, employment in the region, and also bring the existing facilities up to current ADA standards.

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.

Land use surrounding the project area is predominantly residential, commercial, and institutional. A network of excavated stormwater ditches parallel or flow through outfalls beneath the existing roadway. In addition to the excavated waters, Brushy Bayou flows along the south side of Henderson Road near the eastern end of the project as a tributary of Bastrop Bayou. Waters of the U.S. definitions are currently in flux, but historic stream channels maintaining an intermittent or perennial stream flow and exhibiting a continuous hydrologic surface connection to jurisdictional waters will likely remain jurisdictional. Roadside ditches/channels excavated in uplands and draining only uplands are typically non-jurisdictional. The project will minimize impacts to Brushy Bayou as a likely jurisdictional water. Any impacts to Brushy Bayou as part of the proposed improvements on Henderson Road would likely be covered via Nationwide Permit. The project is predominantly located within FEMA floodplain Zone X outside the 100-year floodplain. Areas near the Rancho Ditch/Brushy Bayou confluence are located within FEMA-designated 100-year, 500-year, and floodway zones. The project will be designed to TxDOT hydraulic standards and conform to all floodplain requirements. Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service species list for Brazoria County, no potential or suitable habitat for federally-listed threatened and endangered species occurs at the project location, therefore no adverse effects to federally-protected species are anticipated to result. In addition, any tree clearing or trimming impacts would be conducted in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A review of the Texas Historical Commission’s Historic Sites Atlas reveals no National Register properties or districts, historical markers, or cemeteries in the project area. The project will include cultural resources background studies as required during project development. The project will receive federal funding and will follow the TxDOT environmental review process (NEPA, etc.). The project will be designed to avoid/minimize environmental impacts where feasible.

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

The projected vehicle emissions for the Henderson Road corridor for Year 2030 were calculated using the results of the traffic study conducted in June 2021. The morning rush hour is projected to have a reduction in vehicle emissions. Without any proposed improvements to the study corridor, the projected Year 2030 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) released will be 4.10kg and the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) will be 4.88kg. With the proposed improvements implemented to the study corridor, the projected Year 2030 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) will be 2.31kg and the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) will be 2.75kg. Once the proposed improvements to the corridor are implemented, the traffic congestion is expected to reduce, which will decrease fuel consumption and then results in less emissions. The afternoon rush hour shows similar improvements. Without any proposed improvements to the study corridor, the projected Year 2030 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) released will be 5.55kg and the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) will be 6.61kg. With the proposed improvements implemented to the study corridor, the projected Year 2030 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) will be 2.72kg and the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) will be 3.24kg.

Innovation

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

Yes

1a. If yes, please explain.

The project proposes adding a traffic signal at North Valderas Street, North Downing Street, and Heritage Park Drive/Buchta Road along Henderson Road. Per the traffic study conducted in June 2021, this new infrastructure technology along with the widening of the existing roadway should improve traffic congestion along the corridor. In addition, the proposed shared use path along the corridor and the proposed crosswalk and pedestrian signals will provide new multi-modal connections for the region’s traffic generators. All these improvements should enhance the corridor’s accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, and traffic operations.

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