713-627-3200
Major Projects Questionnaire
Project Information
| Agency Name | Fort Bend County |
| Project Title | Fort Bend Parkway |
| Facility/Street/Highway | Fort Bend Pkwy |
| Limits | FM 762 to Sienna Ranch Rd |
| Description | Construction of four lane highway. (including 2 bridge structures) |
| Timeframe | Short Term (0-5 Years) |
| Estimated Cost | $180,000,000.00 |
Regional Transportation Plan Goals
The Fort Bend Parkway toll Road project is aligned with the goals outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan (2045 RTP), contributing to each of the five key objectives: 1. Improves roadway and public transportation safety: The proposed project would improve safety for the roadway and on demand transportation service (by Fort Bend County) by constructing new 4-lane divided toll road with 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each directions. The divided roadway would minimize head-on collisions and hence improves safety. 2. Achieve and maintain a state of good repair: The proposed project is a new facility that will be serving for next 30 to 50 years maintaining the state of good repair with new structure. 3. Move people and goods efficiently: The proposed project would provide a new route and capacity to the regional transportation network which will efficiently move the people and goods. 4. Strengthen regional economic competitiveness: The proposed project will provide the first roadway connection to Sienna and Thompsons regions there is no other road connection over Brazos river in this area. Therefore, the local and regional economy will be boosted by providing new access and better connectivity in the region. 5. Conserve and protect natural and cultural resources: The proposed project would have minimal impact to the environmental resources and would bring prosperity by opening the opportunities to revamp the culture in the locale.
Regional Significance
Roadway
Principal Arterial or Higher Functional Class
Potential Crash Reductions
Not applicable (New alignment)
Not applicable (New alignment)
Design: The proposed project is 4-lane divided roadway facility. Divided roadway would reduce the crashes caused by left-turn movements. The new roadway will be designed with current highway safety standards which will reduce the expected crashes. Road signs will alert the drivers and will help in lowering the crashes. Work types: The Proposed improvements would improve safety by including following work types (work code, CRF): Install overhead signs (119, 20%) Install median barrier (201, 75%) Install safety lighting (304, 49%) Install Pavement Markings (401, 20%) Install edge markings (402, 25%) Construct paved shoulders (537, 40%) Grade separation (514, 80%) Add through lane (517, 28%) The proposed improvements together would reduce potential crashes by 99%.
Potential Congestion Reductions
No
< 1.0
The proposed project is a new alignment project. Therefore, the travel time index would not be applicable.
Added capacity: The proposed project is a new divided toll road facility, will establish a faster and safer corridor. The proposed project would add capacity to the system and hence, relieve the traffic congestion on other facilities as well. The divided roadway and 12-foot-wide travel lanes would shorten the travel time. Travel time Index: After the proposed project is built, the travel time index is estimated to be 1.05 in 2045. Grade separation: The proposed project would be elevated and grade separated facility by eliminating at-grade railroad crossings and intersections. Access management: A proposed toll road would have less frequent access to the facility, which will minimize the traffic congestion caused by frequent weaving sections.
Connectivity to Jobs, Medical Facilities, and Activity Centers
Yes
285 (2020)
No
Yes
The proposed project is a new alignment, provides new connectivity between Sienna, Thompsons, Pleak, Needville, Damon and Brazos Lakes areas. The new roadway will attract the activities and will bring new businesses/facilities including healthcare, retail businesses and jobs with it.
State of Good Repair
0
Poor
The proposed project is a new facility, includes 4-lane divided toll road and bridge over Brazos river. The proposed project aims to serve for next 30 to 50 years.
Biking and Walking Conditions
The proposed project does not account for side walks. For safety reasons, bike/ped facility would not be recommended on toll roads.
Impacts to Vulnerable Populations
714
13463
392
704
575
871
9.6
Bike/ped safety: The proposed project does not include sidewalks. This will eliminate the pedestrian or bicyclist crashes. Transit: The Demand Response Service by Fort Bend County would benefit from new and faster route. The proposed project provides new faster route which will ultimately reduce the travel cost and stress caused by congestion and longer routes if the proposed project would not be there.
Safety: The proposed improvements include focus on safety improvements and mobility enhancement, hence lowering the adverse effect to nearest neighborhood. Air pollution, connectivity, travel time, economy: The proposed project would establish new connectivity to the region. Reduced congestion in system will improve air quality by lowering the emmisions, minimize the congestion related crashes, and improved travel time can benefit in lowering the delivery cost and bringing business. Mental health: Apart from that, congestion reduction can diminish the stress, fatigue, irritability and rage. Aesthetic value: The new facility with improved landscape will enhance the aesthetic value of the surrounding areas.
Hurricane Evacuation Route
No
Yes
The proposed project would provide alternative and new connectivity to designated evacuation route. The proposed project connects people from and around the city of Thompsons to SH 6 and Beltway 8. The existing Fort Bend Parkway toll road towards north is parallel to SH 288 (designated evacuation route).