Transportation Project Questionnaire

Resiliency and State of Good Repair Questionnaire

Project Information

Agency Name	Harris County Engineering
Project Title	Sheldon Road (South) Reconstruction Project
Facility/Street/Highway	Sheldon Road - Resilience
Limits	Wallisville Rd to Jacintoport Blvd
Description	Reconstruct and widen, reconstructing and widening the existing two-lane road with a concrete overlay and asphalt surface to create a four-lane roadway made of reinforced 12-inch concrete. The project encompasses a bridge section, two major thoroughfare intersections, multiple entrances for industrial and commercial businesses, drainage enhancements, sidewalk installation, and landscaping. These improvements will alleviate congestion, enhance safety in the area, improve pedestrian accessibility, address drainage issues, and optimize the transportation system's resilience during severe weather events.
Timeframe	Short Term (0-5 Years)
Estimated Cost	$50,000,000.00

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:

Principal Arterial or Higher Functional Class

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

The proposed project's focus on increasing vehicle travel lanes, adding curb and gutter, and improving access management addresses resilience against delay from vehicle collisions, including those involving trucks. By installing increasing the number of travel lanes through traffic can bypass any accidents that do occur. Access management improvements will allow more efficient and safer turning movements for large trucks entering and exiting facilities by avoiding wide turns into oncoming traffic. The proposed project's focus on upgrading traffic signal infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions and potential flooding inherently addresses resilience against damage from vehicle collisions, including those involving trucks. By installing more robust and technologically advanced traffic signal poles, signal heads, controllers, and associated equipment, the project aims to reduce the likelihood of significant operational disruptions resulting from such incidents. Enhanced durability and strategic design choices ensure that the traffic signal system remains functional or is more quickly restored to operation after a collision, thus minimizing inoperability periods and maintaining critical traffic flow, especially in emergencies.

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.

4,187

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

Most road segments have an estimated completion year of 1930. The most southern segments have an estimated completion year of 1972 – information per the Harris County Road Log.

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.

HCED recently implemented Cartegraph/OpenGov and is actively building the system. Data is scheduled to be collected across the county and will include assets throughout all four Precincts.

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?

Yes

6a-i. If yes, explain.

Sheldon Rd intersects with I-10 which is identified as a hurricane evacuation route for the region. Improving the roadway along Sheldon Rd will aid in faster and safer evacuation by improving traffic flow to I-10.

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.

The Sheldon Road (South) project is positioned to enhance regional goods transportation through a series of strategic enhancements, including expanded lanes, improved road quality, and the modernization of bridge sections. The proposed project improvements will: a. Widen the current two-lane road by implementing a reinforced 12-inch concrete structure, overlaid with asphalt, creating a four-lane roadway. These additional lanes will accommodate increased traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and facilitate smoother goods transportation, thus enhancing freight movement efficiency. b. Address the deteriorated roadway base and apply an overlay across the entire road surface to enhance its quality and durability. This measure will minimize maintenance-related disruptions, ensuring a consistent flow of goods along the route. c. Modernize the bridge section, to optimize safety and reliability for heavy freight movement, aligning with contemporary standards and requirements. d. Expand the existing roadway to include multiple entrances for freight vehicles, consequently boosting roadway capacity to manage higher traffic volumes, particularly those comprised of commercial and freight vehicles. This expansion will alleviate bottlenecks and enhance overall transportation efficiency.

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 Sheldon Road (South) project offers significant benefits to high-growth areas in multiple ways: a. Meeting Increased Traffic Demand: High-growth areas experience rising traffic volumes as populations and business activities expand. The project addresses this demand by widening the existing two-lane road to a four-lane roadway constructed with reinforced 12-inch concrete. This expansion ensures the infrastructure can handle growing vehicle numbers without becoming excessively congested, crucial for accommodating traffic from new developments like residential complexes and retail outlets, particularly north of and near I-10. b. Fostering Economic Development: Enhanced transportation infrastructure plays a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing economic growth. By improving road capacity and efficiency, the project enhances the area's accessibility and attractiveness to businesses. This can stimulate fresh investments, job opportunities, and economic prosperity, vital for sustaining high-growth regions. c. Enhancing Quality of Life: High-growth areas often grapple with infrastructure strains leading to issues such as traffic congestion and safety hazards. The project tackles these challenges by enhancing road safety, reducing travel times, and promoting alternative transportation modes like walking and cycling. These enhancements contribute to an improved quality of life for residents, rendering the area more desirable for both current and prospective inhabitants. d. Encouraging Sustainable Transportation: The project promotes healthier, more sustainable transportation alternatives by incorporating pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure such as sidewalks and shared-use paths. This is particularly significant in high-growth regions where increased vehicular usage can have significant environmental impacts. Such improvements create safer environments for residents and shoppers, fostering a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere beneficial for retail and commercial areas. e. Future-Proofing Infrastructure: Designed with measures to address drainage and environmental concerns, the project ensures infrastructure resilience, capable of supporting the area's evolving needs as it continues to expand and develop. f. Improving Accessibility and Connectivity: Enhanced transportation infrastructure boosts local and regional accessibility and connectivity, particularly crucial in high-growth zones where demand for efficient access to amenities and services is pronounced due to expanding residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Improved connectivity plays a pivotal role in overall development and attractiveness, facilitating the movement of goods and supporting the growth of warehouses and other freight-related facilities essential for businesses reliant on seamless transportation of goods. Upgraded road infrastructure thus serves as a fundamental support system for meeting these essential requirements. Furthermore, by alleviating future congestion, particularly due to the potential growth of warehouses and other freight generators, the project contributes to maintaining efficient logistics networks and sustaining economic vitality in high-growth areas. Thus, through its multifaceted approach, the proposed project not only improves access to various developments but also addresses critical infrastructure needs essential for accommodating and facilitating the continued growth and prosperity of the region.

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 for Sheldon Road (South) aims to substantially enhance traffic operations by implementing infrastructure improvements tailored to efficiently accommodate both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. While specific mention of constructing truck-only lanes or managed truck-only lanes is absent from the documentation, it outlines notable enhancements, encompassing: a. Sidewalk Installation: The project proposes constructing sidewalks along both the north and south right-of-way (ROW) of Sheldon Road (South). These sidewalks will provide safe and accessible walking paths for pedestrians, enhancing connectivity and safety for residents and visitors. b. Access Management: The proposed project offers significant enhancements to traffic operations by implementing strategic infrastructure improvements tailored to address the challenges at intersections and private access points to industrial and commercial development. Through the construction of targeted upgrades such as truck-only entrances for industrial or commercial businesses, the project aims to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety, particularly in areas prone to congestion caused by freight movement. Additionally, the inclusion of access management improvements plays a crucial role in streamlining traffic movements, reducing delays, and minimizing the likelihood of accidents at key junctions. c. Safety and Accessibility Enhancements: The project's overall design considers the needs of pedestrians and motorists, focusing on creating a safe and accessible environment. By providing a wider turn radius dedicated for trucks, the project not only improves the efficiency of freight transportation but also enhances overall traffic operations for all road users. d. Intersection Improvements: The project includes two major thoroughfare intersection improvements, along Sheldon Road (South). These intersections are analyzed for reconfiguration to improve traffic flow and safety. The project aims to reduce congestion points by optimizing intersection design, thus improving overall traffic operations. e. Pavement and Drainage Improvements: The proposal includes reconstructing the existing two-lane road with concrete overlay and asphalt surface to create a four-lane roadway made of reinforced concrete. These enhancements to the new concrete pavement section is designed to manage stormwater better and improve road durability. These improvements are expected to reduce maintenance-related traffic disruptions and ensure smoother traffic flow, especially during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, these enhancements contribute to a smoother and more reliable commuting experience, ultimately fostering economic productivity and promoting the sustainable growth of the region. Therefore, through its comprehensive approach to traffic management and infrastructure enhancement, the proposed project represents a significant step towards achieving improved traffic operations and ensuring the continued vitality of the transportation network.

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 proposed Sheldon Road (South) project includes specific measures aimed at enhancing walking and biking conditions, showcasing a dedicated commitment to bolstering bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Key elements of these enhancements encompass the following: a. Demonstrating a clear dedication to enhancing walking conditions, the project signifies a substantial investment in cultivating vibrant, livable communities that prioritize active lifestyles and sustainable transportation. b. The proposed project initiates enhancements to current walking conditions by prioritizing the establishment of safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure. By constructing new sidewalks, the project endeavors to create a more welcoming environment for pedestrians, encouraging active transportation and diminishing reliance on motor vehicles. c. By integrating a designated walkway, as outlined in the project scope, individuals are presented with viable alternatives to conventional modes of transportation, fostering healthier and more sustainable commuting options. Additionally, by extending these improvements, the initiative aims to establish interconnected networks facilitating seamless pedestrian travel and laying the groundwork for future transit planning and multimodal access across the region. By giving precedence to the requirements of non-motorized road users, the proposed project not only boosts safety and accessibility but also advances community well-being and environmental stewardship.

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

The proposed Sheldon Road (South) project integrates a multitude of enhancements positioned to have a positive impact on traffic conditions. Despite the limited presence of transit in the North Shore region, these roadway improvements pave the way for the potential planning and implementation of various transit services in the future, including local, express, signature, or commuter operations. The overarching infrastructure improvements present potential benefits for transit, materializing in the following ways: a. Enhanced Roadway Capacity: Widening the roadway and incorporating additional lanes facilitates smoother traffic flow, indirectly benefiting transit services. Decreased congestion and enhanced traffic conditions enable transit vehicles, such as buses, to operate more efficiently, adhere to schedules more effectively, and encounter fewer delays. b. Future-Ready Transit Infrastructure: Although not expressly stated, the project's infrastructure enhancements lay the groundwork for potential future enhancements tailored to transit needs, such as dedicated bus lanes or bus rapid transit (BRT) systems. By fortifying the underlying road network, the project creates a platform for prospective transit upgrades down the line. c. Congestion Mitigation and Enhanced Dependability: In essence, the project targets congestion reduction and traffic flow enhancement, promising a more dependable transportation network. This reliability is paramount for transit services, as consistent and predictable traffic conditions facilitate smoother and more efficient transit operations. Although the Sheldon Road (South) project may not prioritize transit services directly, the proposed enhancements to the roadway, sidewalk installation, multiple entrances for industrial and commercial businesses, drainage enhancements, and overall traffic management can indirectly bolster transit operations in the future. By fostering efficiency, safety, accessibility, and reliability, these improvements have the potential to elevate the quality of transit services and promote increased utilization of public transportation options.

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.

5.162

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.

10.325

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's focus on increasing vehicle travel lanes, adding curb and gutter, and improving access management addresses resilience against vehicle collisions, including those involving trucks. By increasing the number of travel lanes, traffic can bypass any accidents that do occur. Access management allows for improved turning movements for large trucks entering and exiting facilities along the roadway which helps avoid wide turns into oncoming traffic, allowing for crash reductions. Advanced traffic signals can reduce vehicle collisions by installing advance signal poles, signal heads, controllers, and other equipment. Ensuring durability and strategic design creates a traffic signal system that remains functional and can be quickly restored after collisions for continued operations and safe driving by others.

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.

High

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.

Low

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 proposed Sheldon Road (South) project incorporates specific enhancements aimed at mitigating vulnerability to flooding. These improvements center on bolstering the drainage system and effectively managing stormwater, particularly in areas prone to water accumulation. Key components of these enhancements comprise: 1. Drainage System Enhancement and Storm Sewer Installation: This involves the implementation of new storm sewer systems and upgrades to existing drainage infrastructure. It encompasses the construction of additional storm sewer inlets, pipes, and outfalls to efficiently capture and redirect stormwater away from road surfaces. 2. Reshaping Roadside Ditches: In sections featuring roadside ditches, the project may entail regrading and reshaping them to enhance their capacity for managing stormwater. This helps prevent water buildup on roadways, reducing the risk of flooding. 3. Road Surface Elevation in Flood-Prone Areas: In flood-prone zones, the project scope may include elevating road surfaces to keep them above potential flood levels. This ensures continued road usability even during heavy rainfall events. 4. Detention or Retention Basin Construction: To regulate stormwater volume, the project might integrate the construction of detention or retention basins. These basins temporarily hold stormwater during intense rainfall, releasing it gradually to prevent overwhelming the drainage system. 5. Culvert Enhancements and Replacements: Where culverts are present, the project may involve enhancing or replacing these structures to improve their capacity and efficiency in channeling water beneath roadways. 6. Permeable Pavement Utilization: Certain areas of the project may incorporate permeable pavements, allowing water to permeate the surface and reduce runoff. 7. Erosion Control Measure Implementation: To mitigate erosion resulting from stormwater runoff, the project may include the installation of silt fences, seeding, and other erosion control techniques. Harris County has a proven track record in creating and sustaining comprehensive street and roadway projects that incorporate resilience measures. Given its history of encountering flooding events, the county has implemented effective stormwater management practices. Moreover, Harris County is committed to integrating additional resilience measures to not only enhance the built and natural environment but also fortify overall community resilience.

Access/Connectivity

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

13,335

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

20,886

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

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

13,335

1b. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Minorities

20,886

1c. Household Population Under Poverty

6,314

1d. Disabled Persons

1,573

1e. Elderly Persons

544

1f. Limited English Proficiency

4,249

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.

47.4

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 Sheldon Road (South) project aims to improve accessibility and connectivity for nearby residents, with a focus on underserved communities. It includes recommendations for increased mobility and transit connectivity between affordable housing, schools, and employment centers to foster economic development opportunities. The proposed Sheldon Road (South) Reconstruction project includes widening the existing two-lane road with a concrete overlay and asphalt surface to create a four-lane roadway made of reinforced 12-inch concrete. The project encompasses a bridge section, two major thoroughfare intersections, multiple entrances for industrial and commercial businesses, drainage enhancements, sidewalk installation, and landscaping. These improvements will improve Sheldon Road’s safety and multimodal access and reduce traffic congestion and flooding. From a resilience perspective, investing in sidewalk improvements holds substantial potential to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations. Research indicates that neighborhoods with well-designed sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly environments not only experience economic benefits, such as heightened property values, which contribute to the stability and resilience of real estate markets, but also foster public health by promoting physical activity and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases. Harris County's Built Environment Program within the Public Health Department actively champions health equity through strategic community planning and the promotion of resilient community design, integrating critical infrastructure like sidewalks and public transportation. The integration of safe and accessible sidewalks can yield tangible benefits for residents' daily lives, exemplified by cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia, where such enhancements have bolstered foot traffic, bolstered local business vitality, improved traffic safety, reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and improved quality of life.

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.

To address the potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations, the proposed Sheldon Road (South) project incorporates specific measures aimed at avoidance and mitigation. The following narrative outlines key strategies implemented to safeguard vulnerable groups: A. Minimize the pollution of air and water and soil contamination: 1. The proposed project incorporates universal design principles to ensure that infrastructure incorporated will promote clean water, soil, air and emissions. 2. The project strictly adheres to local, state, and federal environmental regulations to ensure compliance with guidelines for protecting natural resources. B. Minimize the consequences of Economic Interconnectivity within the project area: 1. Examine and assess how economic developments may disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and minority communities. 2. Early warning systems will be positioned to detect and respond to emerging challenges promptly, ensuring swift action to mitigate any negative impacts. Whether it's changes in housing affordability, access to essential services, or employment opportunities, these systems will enable timely interventions to mitigate any negative impacts on those most at risk. C. Limiting the displacement of business merchants, suppliers, and local residents: 1. The project will include initiatives focused on empowering businesses located near vulnerable communities by building their capacity to address challenges independently. 2. Regular assessments will be conducted to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and address any unforeseen adverse effects promptly. 3 Initiatives will be undertaken to remove obstacles to access, including the provision of connections or lanes, accessible transportation alternatives, flexible delivery schedules, and accommodations tailored to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. D. Reduce traffic congestion, separation, and exclusion within the project area: 1. A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to assess the impact of the project on vulnerable populations. 2. The project incorporates universal design principles to ensure that infrastructure and services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. 3. Efforts will be made to eliminate barriers to access, such as providing ramps, accessible transportation, and accommodations for individuals with different needs. By incorporating these measures, the proposed project aims to proactively avoid and mitigate adverse effects on vulnerable populations. Ensuring that our community remains resilient and inclusive, with measures in place to support those who are most in need.

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.

The Sheldon Road (South) project includes specific measures to avoid or mitigate impacts on Carpenters Bayou, Bear Lake, and San Jacinto’s natural resources, and cultural resources. The project involves careful planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to these sensitive areas. Specific measures may include: A. Erosion Control and Stormwater Management: 1. To protect natural resources, erosion control measures are integrated into the project design to prevent sedimentation in water bodies, including floodplains and wetlands. 2. Stormwater management practices are implemented to reduce the risk of water pollution and preserve the integrity of nearby natural resources. B. Public Education and Awareness: 1. Public education programs are implemented to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources. 2. Outreach efforts inform the community about the project's commitment to minimizing impacts on floodplains, wetlands, and cultural sites. C. Adherence to Environmental Regulations: 1. The project strictly adheres to local, state, and federal environmental regulations to ensure compliance with guidelines for protecting natural and cultural resources. 2. Regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place to confirm ongoing compliance throughout the project lifecycle. D. Continuous Collaboration with Stakeholders: 1. Ongoing collaboration with H-GAC staff, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders ensures a dynamic approach to addressing emerging concerns related to natural and cultural resources. 2. Adaptive management strategies are employed to respond to changing conditions and further minimize impacts. 3. By integrating these measures into the project planning and execution, the proposed project aims to not only comply with regulatory requirements but also proactively avoid and mitigate impacts on natural and cultural resources, fostering sustainable development. Channelview is encompassed by expansive open water, wetlands, shrub and scrub wetlands, and forests. Carpenter Bayou, coursing through the western side of the area, serves as a connector for numerous wetlands and hosts the Carpenters Bayou Hike & Bike Trail. The lakefront of Bear Lake and Old River boasts abundant forest canopies and coastal wetlands. Coupled with its generally low and flat terrain and several incised channels, this geographical setup renders a significant portion of Channelview susceptible to inundation during periods of high-water events. Drainage predominantly occurs towards the east, flowing into the San Jacinto River. During serious storm events, areas within Channelview would experience flooding at water levels ranging from 25 to 30 feet. The proposed Sheldon Road (South) project has been designed with a comprehensive approach to avoid and mitigate impacts on both natural and cultural resources, particularly focusing on floodplains, wetlands, and cultural sites.

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)

The NOx emission reduction is .24 tons and the VOCs emission reduction is .71 tons

Innovation

1. Does the project propose to implement new infrastructure technologies to enhance accessibility, mobility, multimodalism, resiliency, reliability, or traffic operations?

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

Yes

2a. If yes, please explain.

The proposed traffic signals and traffic controllers will be equipped with technologies and standards that will be compatible with autonomous and connected vehicles.