Transportation Project Questionnaire

High Growth Area Needs Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Mont Belvieu
Project Title	Public Works & Engineering Director
Facility/Street/Highway	Eagle Dr.
Limits	From Fm 565 to SH 146
Description	Reconstruction of 2-lane open ditch to 4-lane Blvd with curb and gutter with sidewalks and bikeway.
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$36,000,000.00

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 Mont Belvieu spent over $15 Mil dollars expanding Eagle Dr 10 yrs ago. from IH10 to FM 565. This expansion has provided great growth to the City including the recent approval of Riceland, a master plan community with 4,000 homes in the next 10 years. The development includes the construction of a Livable Town Center. This Livable Town Center concept was developed based in part on a study that was funded by HGAC dated Nov 2018. The new town center is currently under construction. The city just completed a new City Hall that will be the anchor for the new town center. The developer is under contract to add the roads, restaurants, commercial space, and homes around the Town Center. This growth needs to be supported by infrastructure such as the proposed Eagle Dr. widening, as it will be one of the two main access roads to the Town Center. The Town Center will not only serve residents of Mont Belvieu, but it will serve as a commercial hub on the East side of Houston, serving a large number of residents of the Harris County and Chambers County area, and adjacent counties. The project will expand the existing 2-lane roadway open ditch to a 4-lane curb and gutter road with a median sidewalk and a shared path for pedestrian and bicycle, traffic signals, illumination, and channel improvements. The proposed project will greatly increase mobility in the area by linking the City to SH 146, a designated hurricane evacuation route. The project does not require a grade separation, railroad crossing or ITS.

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

Yes

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

https://www.montbelvieu.net/DocumentCenter/View/1640/Capital-Improvements-Plan-20182027-20190320

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

Reconstruction of Eagle Dr. from FM 565 to SH 146 from undivided 2-lane roadway to divided 4-lane boulevard with left turn lanes and median refuge areas. Project will include curb and gutter drainage system to connect to regional network and increased landscaping. The addition of the latest traffic technologies for signal updates and pedestrian/biking crossing. Along the corridor will be upgraded lighting for enhancement of walkers and bikers and slow-moving vehicles. Part of the design will include access management upgrades for existing and future commercial driveways. With the current construction of the Riceland Development of approx. 4000 households the ADT and population is expected to be over double today's volumes and population. The design will include for future growth with part of the 4000 households to be built out by 2035-2040.

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.

Will provide access to the new planned Riceland development and Livable Town Center which will be 4000 households including commercial sites. It also will improve connectivity in the area by improving access to SH-146.

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

Yes

3b-i. If yes, explain.

Significant growth is expected in the project area. This is not only forecasted growth, but it is growth already taking place. There are new commercial applications being reviewed and approved every month in the area. Moreover, Riceland just completed the first 6 sections of their master planned community, adding approximately 300 lots in the past 6 months. Mont Belvieu is the last full service City along IH-10 on the east side of Houston, before arriving to Beaumont. As such, the City's infrastructure is not only being stressed by growth within City limits, but growth in the entire area. Congestion is expected on Eagle Dr to get to SH 146 or IH 10 which are the current emergency routes. With the construction of SH 99 Grand Parkway, this help with congestion on SH 146 but not Eagle Dr. FM 565 which runs perpendicular with Eagle will be in much need of improvement also.

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

B or C depending on traffic in 2028. may be D by 2030-35.

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

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

Yes

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 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.

The proposed improvements will increase the throughput capacity of the existing road, decreasing delays and improving safety. The road is expected to reach capacity within the next couple of years. The project will widen FM 3360/ Eagle Dr. from 2 lane undivided to 4 lanes divided with ability to adjust for additional capacity and turn lanes including wider sidewalk or trails with bikers. The intersections of FM 565 and SH 146 will have intersection improvements and upgraded signal technology including adding a fiber connection to the cities MBlink internet system for emergency services. Additional signals or pedestrian crossings will be analyzed and installed for the Riceland Development access to Town Center and City Hall.

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.

There are currently few walking and biking options in the area. The project will expand the sidewalks and/ or trails network for pedestrians and bikers. The project will provide design for walkers and bikers to get to the new city hall on the westside of Eagle Dr. This will be critical since Riceland development is located mainly on the eastside of Eagle Dr. Project will provide a safer or improved bike/walker route to get to the Town Center area, Riceland area and park area approx. 0.5 mile south of FM 565. The project will also provide an improved connection between the north side of town and the south side of town, decreasing vehicular trips to major destinations on the south side of Mont Belvieu.

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

Currently Mont Belvieu does not have transit services but may need to review for an Eagle Dr. route to and from IH 10 area since majority of the residents will live off of Eagle Dr. The proposed project is fully compatible with future plans for transit services, providing improved roadway capacity, better pedestrian and cyclist facilities, and available space for bus stops and bicycle storage.

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.

Eagle Drive in this area is a vital connection for Mont Belvieu and the adjacent area. Today Eagle Dr is a 2-lane highway undivided with 2' to no shoulders. Adding 4 lanes concrete pavement will help keep traffic moving and provide a relief lane or can provide a traffic pattern change to other side for emergency personnel to keep safe.

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.

Project is currently planned to be concrete curb and gutter providing a long-life span. This will help with future maintenance. Underground storm system will not require cleaning out or scraping ditches every year to maintain a good flow. Additionally, the existing roadway section is reaching the end of its service life.

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.

0.1667 (1 in 2023)

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.

0.3333 (2023)

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.

The widening of FM 3360/Eagle Dr will provide a safer drive for future and current residents. The addition of additional through lanes, medians, left turn lanes, median openings/access management improvements, wider sidewalks and bike trails will reduce crash rates for rear end collision for turning vehicles and head on crashes. Having curb and gutters will provide residents and students with safer sidewalks and bike trails, including eliminating the ditches along sidewalks edges.

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 project would eliminate the roadside ditches along FM 3360/Eagle Dr. Curb and gutter drainage system will provide a safer system for pedestrians and bikers near the current ditches. An underground drainage system would be added and connected to Mont Belvieu regional system.

Access/Connectivity

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

1252

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

931

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?

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

1252

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

931

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

93 (10%)

1d. Disabled Persons

500 ( 5.1%)

1e. Elderly Persons

830

1f. Limited English Proficiency

1320 (13.1%)

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.

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.

Project will provide access to city hall thru improved sidewalks and roadway crossings to pay bills including water, internet and others. It will also improve pedestrian and cyclist access to the livable center that is currently under construction around City Hall. Improvement will also better access to the Barbers Hill schools and Community Parks located south of FM 565 including biking and walking. This project is part of the transportation master plan for the City, which emphasizes pedestrian and cyclist connectivity throughout the entire town and between major destinations.

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.

Project will be constructed and designed inside existing right of way. No additional right of way will be needed along Eagle Dr. The project will not hinder pedestrian or cycling connectivity in any way. Additionally, the proposed boulevard will not create a barrier between different areas of town as it will be walkable and will prioritize connectivity. No poverty areas will be affected but walkable, biking and traffic congestion will be improved.

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.

No wetlands or flood plains are located along the proposed project along Eagle Dr from FM 565 to SH 146. Moreover, the project will take place within existing right of way.

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

0.03 (both)

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 south end of the project is where the new Livable Center, updated City Hall, park area, retail, and other businesses will be. Innovative ideas will be implemented for the mobility of pedestrians and cyclists from all parts of town including crossing signals or median bulb-outs for refuge. Technologies will be needed for Riceland Development to connect to City Hall and Livable Center area. The implementation of this project would significantly improve connectivity and congestion while working cohesively with the livable center and the City's ultimate vision of a walkable town.

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