Transportation Project Questionnaire

Major Projects Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	Harris County Redevelopment Authority
Project Title	Kirby Drive Extension
Facility/Street/Highway	Street
Limits	Holmes Rd. to Sam Houston Tollway South
Description	Proposed Kirby Dr. is a multimodal thoroughfare consisiting of 3 segments: Segment 1 - construct a 4-lane from Holmes Rd. to Airport Blvd. with grade separation at Almeda Rd., Segment 2 - construct a bridge crossing Sims Bayou connecting to W. Orem Dr., Segment 3 - construct a 4-lane from Nichol Woods Dr. to Sam Houston Tollway South. Kirby Dr. is designated as a transit corridor from Fannin terminus at Feldman St. (west of Almeda Rd) to Airport Blvd.
Timeframe	Medium Term (6-10 Years)
Estimated Cost	$110,000,000.00

Regional Transportation Plan Goals

1. Please provide narrative describing how the proposed project supports all goals established in the Regional Transportation Plan (2045 RTP).

The Kirby Drive Extension fulfills the ideals of the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. The new road segments connect disparate streets, creating a grid network in a rapidly growing area of the region. Once the proposed project is built, Kirby Drive will connect from its current northern terminus inside the 610 loop all the way to the City of Pearland. The 12.5-mile corridor, once complete, will connect River Oaks, Rice Village, the NRG Complex, new industrial developments, a major master-planned community (Shadow Creek Ranch), and the Pearland Town Center. Currently, the 125,000 people living in Pearland have limited transportation connectivity to the rest of the region. Once the Kirby Drive Extension is complete, approximately half a million people living along the entire Kirby Drive corridor will have a much-needed transportation connection to the rest of the region. Looking at this project through the specific segments proposed and in totality, as a completed road, Kirby Drive Extension will be a multimodal throughfare serving residents, multiple cities, and three of the region’s major activity centers. It has been on Houston’s Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP) since the 1942, and was extended to Pearland and Brazoria County in the 1980’s. It is time to complete the construction of this regional mobility artery. This is how Kirby Drive Extension aligns with the 2045 RTP Goals: Move People and Goods Reliability Currently, there is only one major throughfare for north-south freight traffic or regional travel between southern Harris County and Brazoria County – State Highway 288 (SH-288). The Kirby Drive Extension is about 3/4 -mile west of and parallel to SH-288. Once complete it will connect Pearland to Houston, fulfilling a critical and needed role within the region’s transportation network. It will serve as a reliever for SH-288 and be the route for anyone making local trips. This balancing of vehicular trips reduces traffic on SH-288, allowing for more efficient movement. During a major weather event, crash incident, or other times of non-recurring congestion, Kirby Drive can act as secondary route for anyone – some traveling to work, home, or moving goods – going north or south – in the region. Strengthen Regional Economic Competitiveness As noted above, Kirby Drive acts as a parallel reliever for SH-288, providing more options for freight and passenger travel. In addition to adding capacity that allows for more movement throughout the region, Kirby Drive is designated as a principal throughfare on the City of Houston’s Major Throughfare and Freeways Plan. It is proposed to have 120 feet of right-of-way allowing for three travel lanes in each direction, medians, 30 feet reserved for METRO to operate rapid transit (bus rapid transit – BRT; or light rail transit - LRT), and 9.5-foot buffer on each side for pedestrian/cyclist facilities. In early 2024, Stream Realty Partners purchased nearly 25 acres – to build a new industrial development – just north of Pearland, and within the project area. The Kirby Drive Extension directly supports the proposed development. Additionally, the proposed project will increase access to existing developments, such as City Park Subdivision, Houston Sports Park, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and other platted developments within the City of Houston and its ETJ. Currently, there is little north-south transit, especially that crosses or nears the Brazoria County line. No rapid transit facilities like bus rapid transit even exist. The proposed 120 feet of right-of-way preserves 30 feet for a future METRO light rail or bus rapid transit line. If this transit facility is built, it adds an additional transportation option and creates new economic development opportunities in this growing section of the Houston region. Achieve and Maintain State of Good Repair The proposed project is a new road, built according to the City of Houston’s Infrastructure Design Manual. It will be a concrete road designed for a useful life of 50+ years. No major rehabilitation is expected to be needed during the next half-century. Minor fixes due to potholes or crashes could occur. Additionally, the Kirby Drive Extension creates a more connected grid in the sprawling area between the South Loop (IH-610) and Beltway 8. Currently, two roads are the main arterials for north-south travel – Almeda Road (FM 521) and SH-288. The proposed project will act as a relief road for both major throughfares, most notably SH-288. As more local and regional trips are made on Kirby Drive, fewer trips would occur on both Almeda and SH-288. The reduction in traffic can increase the lifespan of these roads, reducing their need for major rehabilitation and upgrades. Improve Safety The proposed project is a new road; therefore, a proxy is needed when discussing road safety. For Kirby Drive, SH-288 is the most relevant proxy. Currently, it has a 2.517 crash rate for severe injuries and 0.128 for fatal crashes. Reducing traffic on SH-288 and diverting it onto an arterial road with a lower design speed can reduce the number of crashes associated with higher speeds that are more likely to lead to severe injury and fatal crashes. Kirby will also improve life safety as a parallel facility to SH-288. Conserve and Protect Natural and Cultural Resources Vacant land encompasses much of the right-of-way needed for the proposed project. Current land uses favor commercial and industrial, but once Kirby Drive is complete, additional single-family development is projected between Holmes Road and Beltway 8. This change in use will support Harris County and Houston’s much needed affordable housing gap. The Rice Study, “My Home is Here”, projects Harris County needs 20,000 new affordable housing units per year for the next 10 years.

Regional Significance

1. Is the project a Roadway Project or a Transit Project?

Roadway

1a. For Roadway projects, this project is located on a facility functionally classified as a:

Principal Arterial or Higher Functional Class

Potential Crash Reductions

1. What is the existing fatality crash rate at the project location? Regional crash data is available online at crash data viewer. H-GAC staff will provide assistance in calculating the crash rates upon request.

US288 Proxy - 0.128

2. What is the existing serious injury crash rate at the project location? Regional crash data is available online at crash data viewer. H-GAC staff will provide assistance in calculating the crash rates upon request.

US288 - 2.517

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 proposed project is a new road; therefore, a proxy is needed when discussing road safety. For Kirby Drive, SH-288 is the most relevant proxy. Currently, it has a 2.517 crash rate for severe injuries and 0.128 for fatal crashes. Reducing traffic on SH-288 and diverting it onto city streets with lower design speeds can reduce the number of crashes associated with higher speeds that are more likely to lead to severe injury and fatal crashes. The proposed road will be designed according to the City of Houston’s Infrastructure Design Manual, and include several elements associated with safety. The specific work types associated with the Kirby Drive Extension: • Adding New Lanes or Roads • Multimodal Transportation Corridor • Light Rail/Bus Rapid Transit

Potential Congestion Reductions

1. Is the project located on a facility listed on Texas 100 most congested roads list?

1b. If no, please provide the existing peak period travel time index (TTI) of the facility where proposed project is located.

1.25 – 1.50

1b-i. Provide a narrative describing the existing congestion where proposed project is located and describe narrative to explain methodology to calculate existing TTI.

US288 between Loop 610 and BW8 – 2024 TDM Model Run with Kirby Ext. The Travel Time Index is calculated from 2023 H-GAC Travel Demand Model project-level links. It is the ratio of the travel time during the peak period over the time required to make the same trip at free-flow speeds. The methodology used is derived from the Highway Capacity Manual, 7th Edition. Citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2022. Highway Capacity Manual 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

2. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project reduces congestion. Narrative must include specific improvements (work types) included in the project scope.

The specific work types associated with the Kirby Drive Extension are: • Adding New Lanes or Roads • Multimodal Transportation Corridor • Light Rail/Bus Rapid Transit Pearland residents have limited transportation connectivity to the rest of the region and are forced to use one of two roads to reach regional destinations. Currently, there is one primary highway for north-south travel in the southern part of the region – SH-288. With the Kirby Drive Extension, the level of congestion on SH-288 would decrease as people divert to using Kirby Drive. That is an expected benefit of building out a connected grid – traffic is more evenly distributed across roads. Per the H-GAC model, by 2030, approximately 22,000 vehicles will be diverted from SH-288 onto Kirby Drive resulting in a reduction of vehicle hours traveled (VHT) of about 2%. In 2045, it is estimated that 25,000 vehicles will be diverted, resulting in a similar reduction of VHT. In the PM Peak period, VHT is higher than 2%. The Kirby Drive Extension can significantly ease afternoon commutes home. The potential travel time savings makes it easier for people to reach their job, doctor, grocery store, and other destinations. Additionally, the proposed design includes 30 feet of right-of-way reserved for rapid transit. This would be a major north-south transit corridor, offering much needed capacity and transit connectivity for both residents and workers in Pearland. A new Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail Transit line requires further analysis from METRO; but several studies (notably the H-GAC led Pearland Transit Needs Assessment and Plan) have noted a lack of transit within the project area. H-GAC’s High-Capacity Transit Taskforce also recommended new regional or commuter transit options for this corridor. Additional information regarding the H-GAC Model Run is included in the Supporting Documentation.

Connectivity to Jobs, Medical Facilities, and Activity Centers

1. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to jobs within a 1/4 mile buffer of the project location?

Yes

1a. Please provide the number of jobs located within 1/4 mile distance of the project.

10,500

2. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to a medical facility within a 1/4 mile buffer of the project location?

3. Does the proposed project improve or provide new connectivity to an activity center within a 1/4 mile buffer of the project location?

Yes

4. Provide narrative describing how proposed project improves or provides new connectivity to jobs, medical facilities, and activity centers.

Pearland is a growing city spreading across Harris and Brazoria counties but lacks connectivity to the rest of the region. Currently, SH-288 is the main corridor providing access to Pearland from points north and south. Almeda Rd/ FM 521 also provides some connections to Beltway 8, which allows for alternate travel through the region. The proposed project will directly connect to the NRG Complex, a major activity center within the region. It is home to several sports and entertainment venues, which provide enjoyment and jobs for many in the southern part of the Houston region. On a normal weekday, more than a hundred people travel daily from Pearland to NRG when no events are occurring. This number exponentially increases during sporting events, such as the Houston Texans home games, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is adjacent to Kirby Drive, and on any given workday, more than 2,500 trips are made from the southern edge of the project area to TMC. These trips are due for a variety of reasons – access to world-class healthcare, commuting to work, or visiting a store or individual in the broader TMC complex. While both NRG and TMC are adjacent to the proposed project’s ¼ mile buffer, they are two of the region’s major activity centers and increased access to both for residents in southern Harris County and Brazoria County offers economic and well-being opportunities for millions. Currently, there is one primary highway for north-south travel in the southern part of the region – SH-288. With the Kirby Drive Extension, the level of congestion on SH-288 would decrease as people divert to using Kirby Drive. A connected grid more evenly disperses traffic – an expected benefit from the proposed project. Per the H-GAC model, by 2030, approximately 22,000 vehicles will be diverted from SH-288 onto Kirby Drive resulting in a reduction of vehicle hours traveled (VHT) of about 2%. In 2045, it is estimated that 25,000 vehicles will be diverted, resulted in a similar reduction of VHT. In the PM Peak period, VHT is higher than 2%. The Kirby Drive Extension can significantly ease afternoon commutes home. Within a ½ mile of the proposed road alignment in 2020, there were 19,550 residents, 7,600 households, and 8,850 jobs (rounded to the nearest 50). Per the H-GAC Socioeconomic Data set, these numbers are expected to grow significantly. In 2035, it is projected that the area will have 45,600 residents, 19,050 households, and 10,300 jobs. The growth continues through 2045 with 54,300 residents and 23,400 households while the number of jobs stays steady.

State of Good Repair

1. What is the age of the facility where proposed project is located?

New Road

2. What is the existing condition of the facility.

Good

3. Please explain how the project improves state of good repair and extends the service life of the facility.

The proposed project is a new road, built according to the City of Houston’s Infrastructure Design Manuel. It will be a concrete road designed with a useful life of 50+ years. No major rehabilitation is expected to be needed during the next half-century. Minor fixes due to potholes or crashes could occur. Additionally, the Kirby Drive Extension creates a more connected grid in the sprawling area between the South Loop (IH-610) and Beltway 8. Currently, two roads are the main arterials for north-south travel – Almeda Road (FM 521) and SH-288. The proposed project will act as a relief road for both of these major throughfares, most notably SH-288. As more local and regional trips are made on Kirby Drive, fewer trips would occur on both Almeda and SH-288. The reduction in traffic can increase the lifespan on these roads, reducing their need for major rehabilitations and upgrades.

Biking and Walking Conditions

1. 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 new or improve existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on project facility or in the vicinity of the project.

Kirby Drive, designated as a principal arterial, once complete will be providing a transportation option for all modes of local travel. The 120 feet of right-of-way is allocated to four travel lanes (50’), rapid transit (30’), pedestrian/bicycle facilities (40’). The transit, pedestrian, and bicycling facilities must work together, notably for first/last mile trips from transit stops. The proposed alignment crosses Sims Bayou and its Bayou Greenways trail. The connection to this trail adds another pedestrian and bicyclist facility, expanding the region’s shared use path networks.

Impacts to Vulnerable Populations

1. Please enter the Low-Income household population located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

10,599

2. Please enter the Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities household population located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

20,224

3. Please enter the Household Population Under Poverty located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

2,940

4. Please enter the Disabled Persons household population located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

1,167

5. Please enter the Elderly Persons household population located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

274

6. Please enter the Limited English Proficiency household population located within 1/4 buffer of the project location. H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

1,358

7. What is the average Livable Center Need Index within 1/4 buffer of the project location? H-GAC staff can assist in gathering the data.

45.8

8. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project provides benefits to vulnerable populations (benefits include safety improvements, or construction or improvements to ped/bike facilities, or improvements to transit stops.

The number one benefit for anyone, notably those considered to belong to a vulnerable population, is connecting the two disparate segments of Kirby Drive, and creating a 12.5-mile corridor with multimodal transportation options. Per H-GAC’s ACE Tool, about 14% of the project area’s population live below the poverty level. This new road, in coordination with the rapid transit potential, will add a new option for reaching major activity centers and jobs. A direct effect is the reduced congestion on SH-288 as well, improving travel times for commuting. The proposed alignment allocates 30 feet of right-of-way for rapid transit. This would be a major north-south transit corridor, supporting the analysis and recommendations in multiple studies. The H-GAC led Pearland Transit Needs Assessment and Plan has noted a lack of transit within the project area. The High-Capacity Transit Taskforce also recommended new regional or commuter transit options for this corridor. A new Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail Transit line offers much needed capacity and transit connectivity for both residents and workers in Pearland. Lastly, the proposed cross section includes pedestrian and bicycling facilities, creating a new north-south non-motorized transportation option. These facilities will connect into the Sims Bayou multi-use path, offering east-west connectivity to places such as Hobby Airport and the University of Houston.

9. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project avoids or mitigates adverse effects to vulnerable populations. List of adverse effects was provided in detailed criteria document.

The proposed project adds a critical transportation connection in the growing southern part of the region. Currently, the land where most of the right-of-way is desired sits vacant. No displacements are expected to occur. The road will connect residents and workers to jobs, notably those that do not require a US college degree. The Kirby Drive construction will increase the employment access to well-paying jobs for anyone living in or near Kirby Drive and within a few miles of the road. The road will provide access to existing employment centers, such as the NRG Complex, Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and Houston Sports Park. The Construction of Kirby Drive provides another transportation option, reducing any commuter’s reliance on SH-288. Its construction will improve travel times, especially during times of congestion, as well as improving access to NRG Campus which generates over 2,000,000 visitors during the HLSR events every year. List of adverse effects to vulnerable populations and impact resulting from the Kirby Drive extension: • Bodily impairment, infirmity, illness, or death: The proposed project is a new road connecting the Pearland area with key activity centers, including the Texas Medical Center. This new transportation connection will improve access to healthcare facilities, speeding up travel time for emergency responders and others. • Air, noise, or water pollution; soil contamination: The proposed project adds impervious pavement but will mitigate for the additional impervious surface with stormwater and detention improvements. • Disruption or diminution of man-made or natural resources: Throughout the project development process, careful consideration and mitigation will be made for the impacts associated with the road. The 100- and 500-year floodplains are within ¼ mile of the proposed project. The project alignment crosses a small section of the 100-year floodplain in one location, just south of the Houston Sports Park. This portion is a ditch extending from Sims Bayou. There is an existing roadway and bridge crossing at this location and the project will not alter the current footprint or expand further into the floodplain. There is also a proposed bridge crossing of Sims Bayou. The bridge will be constructed so that the 100-year and 500-year floodplains are not impacted. Thus, no impacts to flooding are anticipated with this project. • Destruction or diminution of aesthetic values: The proposed project includes multiple features, such as trees, new sidewalks, and medians that enhance the public realm. • Impact upon the cohesion or economic vitality of a community: The project connects an area within the Houston region that has limited connectivity to the rest of the region. This will increase economic growth in Pearland and adjacent areas. • Impact to public or private facilities and services: The proposed project improves access to major employment hubs, medical facilities, and other necessary services. • Adverse impacts on employment: The proposed project will improve access to jobs in the Texas Medical Center, NRG Complex, and downtown Houston for residents in Pearland and the surrounding area. • Displacement of persons, businesses, farms, or non-profit organizations: No displacement of any businesses or individuals is expected.

Hurricane Evacuation Route

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

1a. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility that functions as an alternative to an evacuation route?

Yes

1a-i. If yes, explain.

The Kirby Drive Extension closes a critical gap in south Houston’s transportation network. Critically, the proposed project parallels State Highway 288, and will act as a needed alternative to that major highway in times of steady state and declared emergencies. SH-288 connects the City of Houston, starting just south of downtown, near the Texas Medical Center, to the southernmost part of the Houston-Galveston region. It acts as a vital part of the region’s evacuation network, providing those who live in Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda counties with an outlet for evacuating from the coast during hurricanes. The Kirby Drive Extension adds relief to SH-288 for those evacuating north. Additionally, the proposed road is adjacent to hotels, allowing for places to stay for anyone evacuating from the coast. While Kirby Drive supports regional travel during declared disasters, it also is critical for local trips. The proposed road will connect the City of Pearland with the Texas Medical Center and other areas inside the 610 Loop, such as the NRG Complex area and Rice University. Pearland is one of the fastest growing cities in the region, experiencing a 27.5% increase in residents from 2010-2020. Through the 2045 population projections for H-GAC, this pocket of the region is expected to continue to add residents at a higher rate than the region as a whole, and the Kirby Drive Extension is needed to provide these new residents with access to key destinations, acting as an alternative to SH-288.