713-627-3200
High Growth Area Needs Questionnaire
Project Information
| Agency Name | Harris County Engineering |
| Project Title | CE King Parkway Project |
| Facility/Street/Highway | CE King Parkway |
| Limits | Tidwell to BW 8 |
| Description | Expansion from 2 to 4 lanes and addition of bicycle pedestrian trail |
| Timeframe | Short Term (0-5 Years) |
| Estimated Cost | $27,000,000.00 |
Investment Category-Focused Criteria
CE King Parkway is a two (2) lane “bottleneck” from southbound Beltway 8 East (BW8E) to the US 90 freeway corridor. The CE King Parkway arterial south of Tidwell Road is a four (4) lane boulevard section. Tidwell is a 4-lane boulevard section from CE King Parkway east to southbound Beltway 8 East. The proposed CE King Parkway added capacity construction would complete the arterial grid and add resiliency to emergency travel options. From US 90 Business South to the US 90 Freeway, CE King Parkway is South Lake Houston Parkway. It is a principal arterial on the National Highway System route (FM 526), providing a vital area transportation link parallel to BW8E. About 15,691 AADT is generated by truck traffic from heavy commercial development south of Tidwell Road and local traffic from subdivisions and schools. Existing residential development between Garrett Road and Tidwell Road has caused local road intersections with CE King Parkway to reach maximum capacity. Over 30 percent of existing platted lots remain to be built out within project limits. Also located on or adjacent to CE King Parkway project limits are the CE King Middle School, HM Carroll Elementary School, Michael R. Null Middle School, and the headquarters of Sheldon ISD. Additionally, Sheldon ISD completed construction between 2019 - 2020 of a replacement High School, Athletic Complex, and Sheldon Lake Elementary School on a 200-acre location south of Garrett Road and between CE King Parkway and Beltway 8 East SB FR. The school complex has two primary access points onto CE King Parkway. The new high school has a 3500-student capacity with a staff of about 300 and is served by 60 buses. The stadium parking will accommodate 3500 vehicles. The primary project objectives are improved accessibility and mobility of people and goods on the regional thoroughfare and freeway network through increased roadway capacity and new pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Providing the additional northbound lanes addresses the capacity deficiency associated with the area “bottleneck” relative to increasing traffic volumes and higher capacity south of Tidwell Road, thereby making more effective use of all traffic lanes while gaining an inherent safety benefit. The project will provide sufficient left turn storage at major intersections: Garrett Road, East Little York Road, and Tidwell Road. Adding the boulevard section will provide significant safety to the access/egress to HM Carroll Elementary School. Also, the residential area collector street intersections at Fern Forest and Stonefield Manor Drive will enhance the safety and efficiency of operations. In addition to facilitating access and mitigation of traffic congestion associated with the new Sheldon High School and District Stadium, the following project objectives will also be achieved: 1. Enhancement of the area freight network of roads 2. Both vehicular and bike/pedestrian Level of Service (LOS) will be increased 3. Completing the whole boulevard section for the local arterial network enhances potential future bus transit expansion. 4. Reduction of truck VMT on adjacent parallel arterials (John Ralston Road and Southbound Beltway 9 East). The population in the project area was 22,268 in 2018 and the projected growth by 2045 is 33,994 (53% Growth Rate). Jobs in the project area was 4,517 in 2018 and the projected growth by 2045 is 14,540 (221% Growth Rate).
Yes
1. City of Houston 2017 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan - https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/transportation/MTFPMap/MTFP_MAP_17.pdf ; 2. Harris County Vision Zero Action Plan - https://www.eng.hctx.net/Portals/33/Vision_Zero/HC_Vision_Zero_Action_Plan_Report-09-12-2022.pdf
The proposed project focuses on access management, bicycle pedestrian trail, landscaping, signal modifications, and signal timing improvements to mitigate serious injuries and fatalities on the Vision Zero High Injury Network corridor. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project involves the construction of a new northbound roadway and a reconstructed roadway for southbound traffic from Tidwell to Beltway 8. The existing pavement is reaching the end of its design life (30 years). The existing two-lane bridge will be widened, repaired, and upgraded to current traffic and pedestrian rail standards and sidewalks to serve southbound traffic. Existing channel erosion and abutment undermining will also be repaired. A new bridge will be reconstructed to serve the boulevard section and upgraded to standard mast arm signal poles. The impact of stormwater discharge will be mitigated by a detention/conveyance channel structure in the median using Harris County Low Impact Development (LID) design criteria. Recreational amenities such as hike and bike trails will be provided for residents of adjacent subdivisions. Constructed bicycle and pedestrian trails and other access management improvements will improve safety and connectivity. The existing right-of-way is 300 feet wide; therefore, no new right-of-way acquisition is anticipated. Below is the proposed project scope for the CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project. 1. Federal, State, and Local Agreements & Planning Subtasks: Regulatory coordination, documentation preparation. Deliverables: Executed agreements, Project Schedule. 2. Approvals Subtasks: Initial plan submissions, community feedback sessions. Deliverables: Approval documents, Community feedback report. 3. Procurement Subtasks: Developing procurement documents, vendor selection. Deliverables: Vendor contracts. 4. Public Engagement Subtasks: Public meetings, online forums. Deliverables: Public engagement summary. 5. County and NEPA Reviews & Approvals Subtasks: Review submissions, addressing comments. Deliverables: NEPA clearance, county approvals. 6. Design Subtasks: Detailed design, utility coordination. Deliverables: Design documents, utility plans. 7. Approval of Plans, Specifications & Estimates Subtasks: Final submissions, estimate of probable cost Deliverables: Approved plans, project estimate. 8. Construction Subtasks: Site prep, construction execution, quality and safety management. Deliverables: Completed construction, safety and quality reports.
Yes
The project described aims to improve access to new planned land use development and connect existing discontinuous networks. By enhancing the capacity of CE King Parkway and addressing the bottleneck issue, the project facilitates better connectivity between different parts of the urban area, including residential, commercial, and educational developments. Existing residential development between Garrett Road and Tidwell Road has caused local road intersections with CE King Parkway to reach maximum capacity. Over 30 percent of existing platted lots remain to be built out within project limits. Completing the arterial grid and adding northbound lanes not only improves accessibility to current and future land-use developments but also integrates disjointed sections of the roadway network. This results in a more cohesive and efficient transportation infrastructure supporting existing communities and planned developments.
Yes
Providing the additional lanes to achieve two-lane traffic in each direction addresses the capacity deficiency associated with the “bottleneck” relative to the increasing traffic volume and higher capacity south of Tidwell Road, thereby making more effective use of all traffic volume and higher capacity south of Tidwell Road, thereby making more effective use of all the traffic lanes while gaining an inherent safety and capacity benefit. The project will provide sufficient left turn lane storage at major intersections: Garrett Road, East Little York Road, and Tidwell Road. Adding the boulevard section will provide significant safety to the access/egress to HM Carroll Elementary School. Also, the residential area collector street intersections at Fern Forest and Stonefield Manor Drive will have enhanced safety and efficiency operations. The existing Sheldon ISD office building will be connected with the 200-acre multi-school complex recently completed (300 employees). An additional traffic lane in each direction will double vehicular capacity, increasing vehicular Level of Service (LOS) - from E - and increasing average vehicle speed. Although outside the mapped special flood hazards, the project will include drainage improvements without impacting existing stormwater outfall structures and channels. The proposed roadway will meet current extreme event criteria for trafficability during area flooding, benefitting approximately 20,000 residents. The existing 300-foot-wide right-of-way will be more beneficially used and enable aesthetic and recreational use by adjacent residential development of the proposed hiking and biking trails. Three (3) miles of 10-foot-wide pedestrian trail and parallel 6-foot-wide bicycle/pedestrian pathway will be provided. This addition significantly improves the existing parallel shared path/trail network. These improvements will provide a full corridor-length, 10-foot-wide pedestrian access to existing public schools and the newer Sheldon High School. The project will provide an entire corridor-length 10-foot-wide pedestrian trail and a continuous 6-foot-wide sidewalk to interconnect school facilities. Currently, these facilities do not exist on the 3.3-mile corridor. Existing subdivisions will also be interconnected for pedestrian and bike traffic. The proposed improvements to C.E. King Parkway will support future expansion of Public Transit to this area. The project will also benefit many freight and trucking businesses immediately south of the Project Corridor.
B
Yes
The project involves adding capacity to CE King Parkway, which could alleviate congestion on parallel routes by providing improved infrastructure for traffic flow. This may indirectly serve as an alternative route by enhancing the existing corridor's capacity to handle traffic, thereby improving overall mobility and access.
No
Yes
Model.HighGrowthAreaNeedsQuestionnaire.InvestmentCategory5ai
Other Investment Category Focused Criteria
No
The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project incorporates several regional goods movement enhancement strategies within its scope, including: Infrastructure Upgrades: Reconstruction and widening of roadways and bridges improve traffic flow, which is essential for the efficient movement of goods. Enhanced infrastructure supports heavier loads and reduces congestion. Safety and Access Management Improvements: By focusing on signal modifications, signal timing improvements, and access management, the project aims to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow, which is crucial for the timely delivery of goods. Stormwater Management: Implementing detention/conveyance channel structures for stormwater management helps prevent flooding, ensuring critical routes remain accessible even during adverse weather conditions. Enhanced Connectivity: Adding bicycle and pedestrian trails improves overall regional connectivity, indirectly supporting goods movement by reducing vehicular traffic congestion on main thoroughfares. Although not classified as a critical freight corridor or a local/regional/state truck route, CE King plays an important role in alleviating congestion on facilities which provide first-mile last-mile connectivity to freight generators. The project improvement strategies align with broader regional goals of improving infrastructure resilience, safety, and efficiency, which are crucial for the smooth operation of goods movement networks.
The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project aims to improve traffic operations through infrastructure enhancements. Below are some of the ways the proposed project improves traffic operations: Roadway and Bridge Reconstruction and Widening: By reconstructing and widening the existing roadways and bridges, the project aims to increase capacity, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow for both northbound and southbound traffic. This is particularly important for accommodating growing traffic volumes and improving the efficiency of goods movement and commuter traffic. Upgrades to Current Standards: The project includes upgrading the existing infrastructure to meet current traffic and pedestrian rail standards, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. These upgrades are essential for ensuring that the roadway can handle modern traffic demands and reduce the likelihood of accidents that can disrupt traffic flow. Stormwater Management Features: Incorporating detention/conveyance channel structures to manage stormwater effectively helps prevent flooding, which can significantly impact traffic operations by causing road closures and delays. By mitigating the impact of stormwater discharge, the project ensures that the roadway remains passable even during adverse weather conditions, maintaining consistent traffic operations. Access Management Improvements: The project focuses on access management strategies, including constructing bicycle and pedestrian trails, which can reduce vehicular congestion on the main roadway. Improving connectivity and safety for non-motorized users indirectly benefits motorized traffic by segregating different modes of transportation and reducing potential conflicts. Intersection Improvements: The project incorporates intersection improvements, such as adding turn lanes, upgrading signalization, and improving signage. These improvements are critical for reducing bottlenecks and enhancing the overall efficiency of the transportation network. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project, through these comprehensive infrastructure improvements, aims to provide a more efficient, safe, and resilient roadway that supports the needs of the community and the region's economic development. The project significantly improves traffic operations by addressing current and future traffic demands.
The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project significantly improves walking and biking conditions by enhancing safety, accessibility, and connectivity for non-motorized users. The project scope includes constructing new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the project facility and its vicinity. The proposed project offers the following benefits for active transportation: Sidewalks and Pedestrian Standards Upgrades: The project includes upgrading existing sidewalks and pedestrian facilities to meet current standards. This ensures safer and more accessible pathways for pedestrians and accommodates a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. Bridges with Pedestrian Amenities: As part of the roadway and bridge reconstruction and widening efforts, the project incorporates pedestrian amenities on the new and upgraded bridges. This will provide safe, dedicated spaces for pedestrians, ensuring they are separated from vehicular traffic, which significantly enhances safety for walkers. Hike and Bike Trails: One of the project's standout features is the provision of recreational amenities such as hikes and bike trails. These trails serve as a means of transportation and promote physical activity and connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and other key community destinations. Connectivity and Access Management Improvements: The project's focus on access management includes improving bicycle and pedestrian trails to create safer and more direct routes for non-motorized users. By addressing connectivity issues, the project ensures that walking and biking are viable and attractive options for short trips, reducing reliance on motor vehicles and traffic congestion. Safety Enhancements: The project significantly improves the safety of walkers and bikers by constructing bicycle and pedestrian trails and other related infrastructure. These trails are designed to provide safe, dedicated spaces away from vehicular traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and making walking and biking more appealing for recreational and commuting purposes. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction project's inclusion of new and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing non-motorized transportation. By providing safe, accessible, and connected pathways, the project not only improves the quality of life for residents but also contributes to the sustainability and health of the community. This focus on improving walking and biking conditions aligns with broader goals of promoting active transportation, reducing vehicular emissions, and fostering a more livable and environmentally friendly urban environment.
The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project aims to significantly improve conditions for future transit services in several ways, directly and indirectly benefiting both existing and potential future bus transit expansion: 1. Increased Roadway Capacity: By adding northbound lanes and addressing the "bottleneck" from southbound Beltway 8 East to the US 90 freeway corridor, the project will increase the overall capacity of CE King Parkway. This expansion is crucial for reducing traffic congestion, which in turn can lead to more reliable and efficient transit services. Buses will be able to maintain schedules more effectively due to smoother traffic flow. 2. Enhanced Safety and Accessibility: The addition of a boulevard section and improved intersections (with sufficient left turn storage at major intersections like Garrett Road, East Little York Road, and Tidwell Road) will enhance safety for all road users. Safe and accessible roadways are essential for vehicles to operate efficiently. 3. Facilitation of Future Bus Transit Expansion: By completing the entire boulevard section for the local arterial network, the project lays the groundwork for potential future bus transit expansion. Improved road infrastructure can accommodate increased bus routes or services, facilitating better connectivity and coverage of the transit network in the area. 4. Improved Level of Service (LOS) for Vehicular and Bike/Pedestrian Traffic: Increasing the Level of Service for both vehicular and bike/pedestrian traffic indirectly benefits area transit services by improving the overall transportation ecosystem in the area. Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure encourages multi-modal transportation, potentially increasing overall transit ridership by making it easier for people to reach bus stops or stations. 5. Reduction of Truck VMT on Adjacent Parallel Arterials: By reducing truck vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on adjacent parallel arterials, the project will decrease congestion on these roads, creating a more favorable environment for future transit vehicles that might use these routes. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project improves conditions for future transit services by enhancing roadway capacity, safety, and accessibility, laying the foundation for transit expansions, and creating a more integrated and efficient transportation network. These improvements will support the potential development of a more robust and comprehensive transit system in the future.
The proposed CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project incorporates several design and infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing the resilience and operational continuity of the roadway, thereby reducing the risk of inoperability for significant periods due to infrastructure damage caused by collisions with vehicles such as trucks. Below are several ways the project addresses these concerns: 1. Robust Roadway Design: By transitioning CE King Parkway from a two-lane "bottleneck" to a more expansive arterial grid with additional lanes, the project increases the roadway's ability to withstand and quickly recover from incidents. A wider roadway with improved design standards can better accommodate emergency response and facilitate quicker clearance of debris or damaged vehicles, reducing the duration of any inoperability caused by collisions. 2. Strategic Intersection Improvements: The project includes sufficient left turn storage at major intersections, such as Garrett Road, East Little York Road, and Tidwell Road. These improvements enhance traffic flow and minimize the risk of accidents at intersections, which are common sites for collisions. By making intersections safer and more efficient, the project reduces the likelihood of accidents that could lead to significant infrastructure damage. 3. Enhanced Safety Features: The project's safety enhancements include adding a boulevard section and improving residential area collector street intersections. These features include median barriers, improved lighting, and better signage, which collectively reduce the risk of collisions by providing physical separation between opposing traffic flows and improving visibility. Such safety features can prevent accidents that might otherwise result in substantial damage to the infrastructure. 4. Resilient Infrastructure Materials: Utilizing advanced, more durable materials in the construction of the roadway and associated infrastructure can significantly reduce the extent of damage from collisions. Materials that can better absorb impact and resist damage will ensure that the infrastructure remains functional or can be more easily and quickly repaired following an accident. 5. Emergency Access and Response Plans: The project's design includes considerations for emergency vehicle access and rapid response plans. By ensuring that emergency services can quickly reach the collision site, the project helps minimize the impact of such incidents on the roadway's operability. Quick response and efficient management of accidents reduce the time the infrastructure remains compromised. 6. Monitoring and Management Systems: Implementing advanced traffic monitoring and management systems as part of the project can also reduce inoperability due to collisions. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of traffic conditions and quick identification of accidents, enabling faster deployment of emergency services and traffic management strategies to mitigate the impact on the roadway's operability. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project's comprehensive approach to design, safety, and emergency preparedness aims to significantly reduce the risk of inoperability for extended periods of time due to infrastructure damage from collisions. By enhancing the resilience and recovery capabilities of the roadway, the project ensures that it remains a reliable and efficient component of the regional transportation network, even in the face of accidents involving large vehicles.
The proposed CE King Parkway Project is designed with several key objectives that collectively aim to enhance the state of good repair and extend the service life of the project facility. By incorporating modern design standards, resilient materials, and advanced construction techniques, the project ensures long-term durability, efficiency, and safety for its users. Harris County will achieve these goals through: 1. Modern Design Standards: The project adopts contemporary engineering and design standards considering current and future traffic demands, environmental conditions, and technological advancements. This forward-thinking approach ensures the infrastructure is built to accommodate growth and changes over time, reducing the need for frequent repairs or upgrades. Modern design elements like improved drainage systems, wider lanes, and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths contribute to the project's longevity by mitigating wear and tear and enhancing user safety. 2. Use of Resilient Materials: A key factor in extending the service life of any infrastructure project is the selection of materials that are durable, resistant to environmental stressors, and require minimal maintenance. The CE King Parkway Project anticipates use of high-quality, resilient materials for the roadway, bridges, and other critical components. These materials are designed to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and other factors that can accelerate deterioration, ensuring that the project remains in a state of good repair for a more extended period. 3. Advanced Construction Techniques: Implementing advanced construction techniques emphasizing precision, efficiency, and sustainability contributes significantly to the project's durability. Techniques such as prefabricated elements for bridges and intersections can reduce construction time and minimize disruptions while also ensuring higher quality control. By employing these modern construction practices, the project reduces the likelihood of early wear and the need for subsequent repairs or replacements. 4. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring: Establishing a comprehensive maintenance and monitoring program is an integral part of maintaining the state of good repair. Harris County Engineering Department recently implemented Cartegraph/OpenGov and is actively building the asset management system. Data is scheduled to be collected across the county and will include assets throughout all four Precincts. This proactive approach helps identify potential weaknesses or damages early, allowing for cost-effective interventions that extend the facility's service life. 5. Incorporating Flexibility for Future Upgrades: Recognizing that future technological advancements and changes in transportation needs are inevitable, the project is designed with flexibility in mind. This means the infrastructure can be adapted or upgraded with minimal disruptions to accommodate new technologies such as intelligent transportation systems, electric vehicle charging stations, or additional lanes. This adaptability ensures that the facility remains relevant and efficient, extending its service life. 6. Environmental Considerations: The project also considers environmental sustainability, which is crucial to its longevity. By integrating green infrastructure elements such as permeable pavements, and landscaping with native plants, the project enhances its aesthetic appeal, improves stormwater management, and reduces heat island effects. These environmental considerations contribute to the overall durability of the project by mitigating the impact of climate-related stressors. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project is planned to improve the facility's state of good repair and extend its service life through modern design standards, resilient materials, advanced construction techniques, regular maintenance, flexibility for future upgrades, and environmental sustainability. These comprehensive measures ensure that the project will serve its intended purpose effectively and efficiently for many years, providing significant long-term benefits to the community and the region.
Planning Factors Criteria
0.630
3.779
The proposed CE King Parkway project aims to reduce expected fatalities and serious injury crashes through specific improvements and work types included in its scope. Based on the Crash Reduction Factors (CRF) in the H-GAC safety benefits calculation template, the interventions included in the CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project may contribute to reducing fatalities and serious injury crashes by a substantial rate. The work types and corresponding crash reduction factors include: -Install Traffic Signal: 35% reduction - Aims to reduce intersection-related crashes. -Add Left Turn Lane: 25% reduction - Aims at reducing intersection-related crashes. -Construct Paved Shoulders (> 5ft): 40% reduction - Aims at non-intersection related (roadway related) crashes. -Convert 2-Lane Facility to 4-Lane Divided: 45% reduction - Focuses on non-intersection related (roadway related) crashes. By applying these CRFs to the project's specific improvements, a significant potential reduction in fatalities and serious injuries, >50% in aggregate, is demonstrated. For example, if the project includes substantial intersection improvements and sidewalk installations across a problematic area, the combined effect of these interventions could lead to a notable decrease in the overall crash rate and severity.
Resiliency
Low
Model.HighGrowthAreaNeedsQuestionnaire.Resiliency2
The CE King Parkway project includes targeted improvements designed to significantly reduce the area's vulnerability to flooding. These improvements are part of a comprehensive approach to enhance the roadway's resilience against water-related issues and ensure its long-term usability and safety. The specific improvements included in the project scope that contribute to this objective are: 1. Complete Drainage System with Low Impact Development (LID): The project aims to design and construct a drainage system incorporating LID techniques. LID strategies are focused on managing stormwater as close to its source as possible. They include a variety of practices that use or mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on the site where it is generated. By integrating LID into the drainage design, the project ensures more effective water management, reducing runoff volumes and improving water quality. This system is critical for mitigating the effects of heavy rainfall and preventing water from accumulating on the roadway, which can lead to flooding. 2. Sidewalks and Enhanced Roadway Design: While primarily aimed at improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians, including sidewalks along both sides of the roadway and designing a 4-lane concrete boulevard section also contribute to the project's flood resilience. These features are part of an overall roadway design that considers proper grading, elevation, and surface materials to facilitate water drainage away from the road surface, minimizing the potential for water to pool and cause flooding. 3. Accounting for Existing Sheet Flow: The project acknowledges the existing natural drainage patterns, including sheet flow directions, which generally run West to East and North to South. By designing the project to account for these natural water movement patterns, the improvements ensure that the new infrastructure works with, rather than against, natural processes to enhance drainage efficiency and reduce the likelihood of flooding. These improvements collectively enhance the CE King Parkway's ability to withstand and quickly recover from heavy rain events, significantly reducing the area's vulnerability to flooding. By incorporating advanced drainage systems, and careful roadway design that respects natural water flow patterns, the project ensures long-term resilience and safety for all roadway users.
Access/Connectivity
9,238 (Weighted Low & Moderate Income)
21,121
Yes
Yes
Yes
Environmental Justice
9,238 (Weighted Low & Moderate Income)
21,121
3,422 (Population in Poverty)
1,287
314
2,356
45.1
The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project is poised to deliver significant benefits to vulnerable populations, including safety improvements, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities. These improvements are designed to ensure safer, more accessible, and more efficient transportation options for all users, particularly those who rely heavily on non-vehicular modes of transport or who may face greater risks in the transportation system. Here's how the project provides these benefits: 1. Safety Improvements: The project includes several enhancements that directly benefit pedestrians, cyclists, and school children. The project aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents involving these groups by addressing known crash locations and implementing proven safety measures. This includes installing traffic signals, improving traffic signals, and adding pedestrian signals at critical intersections. These measures are expected to significantly reduce intersection-related crashes, making the roadway safer for all users. 2. Construction of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities: One of the critical components of the CE King Parkway Project is the construction of 5-foot sidewalks along the length of the project on both sides of the roadway. This improvement provides a safe and dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the risk of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and encourages walking and cycling as viable and safe transportation options. Sidewalks serve as critical connections to schools, residential areas, and commercial centers, enhancing overall mobility and accessibility for vulnerable populations. Moreover, providing this critical infrastructure improves health outcomes through recreational and exercise use and lowers air pollutant emissions. 3. Low Impact Development (LID) for Drainage: Incorporating LID techniques in the project's drainage system indirectly benefits vulnerable populations by mitigating the risk of flooding. This ensures that roadways and pathways remain accessible and safe during and after heavy rain events, reducing the risk of accidents related to wet or flooded conditions and maintaining continuous access to essential services. 4. Landscaping: The project's commitment to preserving existing trees not only contributes to the area's aesthetic value but also provides environmental benefits such as shade and cooling, improving the walking and cycling experience for vulnerable populations. By focusing on these key areas, the CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to enhancing the safety, accessibility, and overall well-being of vulnerable populations within the project area. These improvements are expected to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable transportation system that serves the needs of all community members.
The CE King Parkway Project is designed with a comprehensive approach to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on vulnerable populations, focusing on several key aspects, including bodily health, environmental preservation, community cohesion, and access to facilities and services. Below are ways the project addresses these aspects: 1. Safety Improvements: By incorporating safety measures such as improved traffic signals, pedestrian signals, and dedicated left turn lanes, the project significantly reduces the risk of bodily impairment, infirmity, illness, or death resulting from traffic accidents. These measures aim to protect all roadway users, including vulnerable populations like pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren, by creating a safer transportation environment. 2. Drainage Improvements with Low Impact Development (LID): The project includes a complete drainage system featuring LID techniques to manage stormwater effectively, thereby reducing the risk of air, noise, or water pollution and soil contamination. LID practices also help maintain the natural flow of water, thus preserving the artificial and natural resources adjacent to the roadway. This approach minimizes the project's environmental footprint and protects the health of nearby communities. 3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities: The construction of 5' sidewalks along both sides of the roadway enhances accessibility and promotes healthier, non-motorized modes of transportation. These facilities improve the physical well-being of the community by encouraging walking and cycling, contributing to overall better health outcomes and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles. 4. Community Cohesion and Economic Vitality: By upgrading the roadway to a 4-lane concrete boulevard and improving the overall infrastructure, the project fosters better connectivity within the community. Enhanced transportation links support local businesses, schools, and services, thereby contributing to the economic vitality and cohesion of the community. Improved access to amenities and employment opportunities also helps in mitigating adverse impacts on employment and ensuring equitable distribution of transportation benefits. 5. Preservation of Natural and Aesthetic Values: The project's commitment to keeping as many trees as possible and integrating LID drainage solutions demonstrates a mindful approach to preserving the area's aesthetic values and natural resources. This consideration helps maintain the community's character, ensuring that the project contributes positively to the local environment and the well-being of its residents. 6. Avoidance of Displacement: The project design and planning process have considered minimizing displacement of persons, businesses, farms, or non-profit organizations. By carefully considering the project's footprint and working within existing right-of-way boundaries where possible, the project aims to prevent or significantly reduce the need for displacements, thereby avoiding or mitigating one of the most direct adverse effects on vulnerable populations. The CE King Parkway Reconstruction Project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to minimizing adverse effects on vulnerable populations through these targeted improvements and considerations. It prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, community cohesion, and equitable access to transportation benefits, ensuring that the project meets its immediate objectives and contributes to the long-term well-being and resilience of the community it serves.
Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources
The Wetland Delineation Report prepared by Terracon Consultants, Inc. outlines the methodology and findings from a study to identify Waters of the United States (WOTUS) within a specific Right of Way (ROW) according to the Clean Water Act guidelines. Preliminary data, including maps and aerial photographs, were reviewed, complemented by a field survey on February 6, 2019, to identify potential WOTUS and wetlands, following the methods described in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Manual and the 2010 Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Regional Supplement. During the site visit, three types of areas were observed: linear (drainage ditches), wetland, and upland areas. Twelve artificial drainage ditches over seven miles were found, with Ditch K potentially considered jurisdictional due to its hydrologic connection to a tributary, whereas the others were likely non-jurisdictional. Ten wetland features (Wetlands A-J) were identified as palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands. These were deemed likely non-jurisdictional and isolated, possibly not requiring Section 404 permitting. Upland areas were also reviewed and determined not to meet the three wetland criteria; hence, they were not considered wetlands. Documents have been submitted to the USACE for jurisdictional determination and discussion of permitting options before construction in potentially jurisdictional areas. USACE permits are needed for impacts to the waters of the U.S. under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Additionally, an Archeological Assessment conducted by Terracon revealed it unlikely that intact prehistoric or historic archeological deposits are present within the project's Area of Potential Effect (APE), based on a review of various resources, including USDA NRCS soil data, the Geologic Atlas of Texas, the TxDOT Potential Archeological Liability Map, and other historical databases and maps. This comprehensive assessment aimed to gauge the likelihood of preserving archeological sites within the project area, indicating a low potential for significant findings.
Nox Emission Reductions (tons) 0.55; VOC Emission Reductions (tons) 3.13
Innovation
Yes
The proposed project aims to implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, 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 traffic signal priority and real-time traveler information systems to enhance service reliability and make it more attractive to potential riders. A The project will also utilize green infrastructure solutions to increase resiliency and encourage 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.