Transportation Project Questionnaire

Resiliency and State of Good Repair Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	City of Houston
Project Title	Broadway St from IH-45 to SH-225 (Paving & Drainage)
Facility/Street/Highway	Broadway St
Limits	IH-45 to SH-225
Description	Total roadway reconstruction to include shared paths, intersection & accessibility improvements, railroad safety improvements, upgraded Hawk signals for safer schoool crossings, drainage improvements, traffic signal & street lighting upgrades, access management & roadway reconfiguration with wider median to accommodate future Metro LRT
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$45,000,000.00

Investment Category-Focused Criteria

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:

Minor Arterial

2. Please provide a narrative explaining how proposed project reduces inoperability for significant periods of time due to damaged infrastructure.

The existing pavement along the project limits is approximately 60 years old and past its service life. The existing pavement has several wide cracks, joint failures/separations, and uneven settlement. The existing underground stormwater line is also aged with undersized/broken pipes, inlets and manholes. The condition of the infrastructure causes significant travel time delays due to poor roadway conditions and street ponding/flooding. The proposed project will remove and replace the existing infrastructure with new concrete pavement and drainage system to reduce inoperability and eliminate any deficiencies and under capacities.

3. Please provide total estimated daily users served by the proposed project. AADT for roadway project (total users=AADT*vehicle occupancy) or daily total ridership for transit project.

24,000

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

Approximately 60 years old

4a. What is the existing condition of the facility.

Poor

5. Does the project sponsor maintain an approved and regularly updated asset management plan?

Yes

5a. If yes, please provide a link to the existing asset management plan.

Please see additional documents

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

6a. If no, is the proposed project located on a facility that functions as an alternative to an evacuation route?

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 roadway segment connects SH 225 and IH-610 to IH 45 S and the William P. Hobby International Airport. The proposed project will reconstruct the existing 4-lane boulevard sections inside a 124-feet ROW with left turn lanes at intersections and median openings, larger turning radius, better sight distance, safe access management, and upgraded traffic signals to allow better traffic flows that commercial properties and business centers, along this corridor, will be able to benefit from, and hence improves the regional goods movement.

2. Please provide a narrative explaining how the proposed project benefits high growth areas. Within the narrative, please explain if the proposed project improves or provides access to new residential developments, retail stores, other land uses, or if the proposed project alleviates future congestion due to potential economic development activity such as expansion of warehouses or other freight generators.

The proposed project is in a high growth area with potential redevelopment of multi-residential properties, retail stores, and other major business centers. The proposed project will not only reconstruct and upgrade the existing infrastructure, but also improve access to existing and future developments. These improvements include left turn lanes at intersections and median openings, larger turning radius, better sight distance, safe access management, and upgraded traffic signals to improve traffic movement. In addition, the proposed project will accommodate priority transit investments included in the voter-approved METRONext transit plan, including potential extension of light rail transit and BOOST high-ridership bus services that would connect the existing Harrisburg rail line to William P. Hobby International Airport. This additional mode of mass transportation will help alleviate future congestion by reducing vehicle volume and allowing freight trucks to maneuver efficiently along this corridor.

3. 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 project will provide wider outer lanes, left turn lanes at intersections and median openings, and a larger turning radius for safe movement of trucks and METRO buses along the corridor. In addition, drop-off lanes, beacon signals, and upgraded traffic signals will be provided for safer traffic operations at schools. The proposed project is not a principal arterial or major highway; therefore, truck only lanes or managed truck only lanes is not applicable.

4. 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 existing sidewalk along the project limits is only 4-feet wide with deficient or lack of wheel chair ramps and pedestrian signals. The proposed project will replace the sidewalks with 10-ft shared paths including ADA compliant wheelchair ramps and upgraded pedestrian signals at all signalized intersections for safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists. The proposed project will also provide a wider median for a safer buffer between vehicular traffic and future light rails, proper crosswalks, and hawk signals at schools for safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

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

The proposed project will be coordinated with METRO to reconstruct/relocate six (6) Metro bus shelters and sixteen (16) boarding pads to the latest standards to improve existing bus services as well as planning for passenger connectivity with the future light rail service in the median of this corridor. The proposed project will also include lane reconfiguration with wider outer lane to accommodate METRO buses.

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.

0.029 per million VMT

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.

0.286 per million VMT

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 will provide much safer roadway conditions for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and mass transit passengers by reconstructing the existing 4-lane boulevard section inside the 124-feet ROW with left turn lanes at intersections and median openings, larger turning radii, proper sight distance, safe access management, shared paths, wheelchair ramps, drop-off lanes and hawk signals at schools, railroad safety medians, safe crosswalks, upgraded traffic signals, new streetlights, landscape/streetscape, upgraded underground storm sewer systems to handle Atlas-14 rainfalls, water lines, wastewater lines, and lane reconfigurations to provide wider outer lanes for METRO buses and a wider median to accommodate future METRO light rail systems. Below are the specific improvements included in this project along with respective crash reduction factors. Install Warning/Guide Signs- 20% Improve Traffic Signals- 24% Install Pedestrian Signal- 34% Install School Zones- 20% Improve Pedestrian Signals- 10% Improve School Zone- 5% Install Raised Median- 25% Safety Lighting- 49% Safety Lighting at Intersection- 13% Install Pavement Markings- 20% Install Pedestrian Crosswalk- 10% Install Sidewalks- 65% Widen Lanes- 30% Improve Vertical Alignment- 50% Improve Horizontal Alignment- 55% Add left turn lane- 25%

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.

Medium

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.

High

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 storm sewer systems are at an undersized/under capacity with damaged/broken inlets, manholes, and laterals. The proposed project will significantly improve the drainage conditions by upgrading the proposed drainage systems to Atlas-14 requirements. New underground storm sewer lines, inlets, manholes, and laterals will be designed and constructed in conjunction with proper roadway grading/slope and extreme storm event overflow to reduce ponding and vulnerability to flooding along the corridor while not creating any drainage impacts to adjacent properties and surrounding areas.

Access/Connectivity

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

9,525

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

18,976

2. 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

9,525

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

18,976

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

5,353

1d. Disabled Persons

1,645

1e. Elderly Persons

1,038

1f. Limited English Proficiency

4,406

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.

67.7

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.

The proposed project will provide benefits to vulnerable populations by reconstructing a much safer transportation system that includes a 4-lane divided concrete roadway with a curb & gutter with underground storm sewer systems, left turn lanes at intersections and median openings, proper access management, 10-ft wide shared paths for pedestrian and bicyclist use along the corridor, specifically, for students at the Raul Yzaguirre School, Deady Middle School, and Milby High School to utilize the new ped/bike facilities as their only travel mode between home and school, ADA compliant wheelchair ramps, upgraded traffic signals, new HAWK signals for crossing Broadway Street safely between school and multi-family apartment complexes, streetlighting, and landscape/streetscape enhancements. The proposed project will also be coordinated with METRO for future transit routes along this corridor and proposed locations of future light rail transit stops, bus shelters, and boarding pads to keep passengers safe. The vulnerable populations, consisting of mostly low-income and minority households in the neighborhoods and surrounding areas adjacent to this project, will greatly benefit from the proposed safety improvements along Broadway Street.

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.

The proposed project will avoid or mitigate several adverse effects to vulnerable populations as listed below. 1) Provide safer transportation modes for all, especially those handicaps and people who are physically impaired, will be able to use the new and improved ped/bike facilities and have better access to future mass transit systems. New and safer roadways will result in less injuries, illnesses, and fatalities due to crashes. 2) Reduce air and noise pollution caused by traffic congestion. Contaminated groundwater and soils will be removed during construction. New underground utilities such as water lines and sanitary sewers will be constructed with proper protection within potential contaminated areas to protect construction workers and public health. 3) No disruption or diminution of man-made channels. The proposed project will create additional green space along the median buffer area between the travel lanes and future light rails to promote natural resources/habitats. 4) Create aesthetic values along the project corridor with enhanced landscapes/streetscapes, especially at all signalized intersections. 5) Eliminate impacts on the economic vitality to the community by providing a safe transportation system and friendly environment for all. This will encourage more people and businesses to come, stay and grow. Therefore, the proposed project will surely revitalize the economy and most importantly, provide safety in the area along Broadway Street. 6) Minimal impact to the public and private properties due to corner clips being put in place to accommodate wider and safer turning radii and ADA wheelchair ramps. The community will then benefit much more from those proposed improvements. It will also allow property owners, businesses and consumers to have better and safer access to all facilities/services along the corridor. 7) Avoid adverse impacts on employment. People could use the new roadway system that provides all modes of transportation including driving, walking, biking, and taking METRO buses and future rail transits along the corridor. This will make travel from/to work easier with less congestion which will promote more employment in the area. 8) Avoid displacement of persons, businesses, or non-profit organizations. The new corridor will bring more people closer to the area instead of displacing them. People will be able to travel easily through the newly constructed corridor with less stress dealing with traffic congestion along with enjoying to walk and bike in wider pedestrian/bike facilities. Businesses, churches, schools and non-profit organizations, along the corridor and adjacent areas, will have better access which will bring the community closer together. 9) Eliminate traffic congestion. Most people avoid travel through congested traffic and deteriorated roadways, and this creates isolation, exclusion, or separation from the community. The new roadway will reduce traffic congestion and eliminate frequent utility/roadway repairs. The newly reconstructed roadway will encourage people to travel through the corridor. As a result, it will create a vital environment without any isolation, exclusion, or separation from the community. 10) The longer Broadway Street has to wait or be denied for receiving the benefits of the transportation program, the more maintenance/repairs are required. Consequently, the community has to endure unsafe roadway conditions with many deficient facilities. Therefore, Broadway Street is in dire need of major transportation and safety improvements to better serve the community now and in the future.

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 flood plains nor wetlands are present in the project area. One historical marker and one cemetery are located within 0.25 miles of the project limits in addition to another historical marker that is located on the northeast corner of Broadway St & Lawndale Ave. A cemetery is located west of Broadway St. along UPRR just south of Bowie St. The project does not impact the historical marker nor cemetery located within 0.25 miles as the proposed work is strictly limited to the existing 124-feet ROW.

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.
(Optional)

N/A

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 proposed project will implement new infrastructure technologies such as advanced drainage analysis, intelligent access management, and smart signals to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodality, resiliency, reliability, and traffic operations. These technologies will implement left turn lanes at all intersections and median openings, safe turning radii and sight distance, improved drainage systems, proper access to properties, schools and businesses, wide shared-use paths, ADA compliant wheelchair ramps, drop-off lanes & hawk signals at schools, a wider median for future light rails, safe crossings at railroads, upgraded traffic signals, streetlighting, and landscape/streetscape enhancement. All modes of transportation will be carefully analyzed, designed, and constructed to ensure that the final roadway, pedestrian/bike facilities, and transit facilities will be safe, efficient, and reliable for use by motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit passengers as a complete multimodal corridor.

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