713-627-3200
Resiliency and State of Good Repair Questionnaire
Project Information
| Agency Name | Harris County Engineering |
| Project Title | Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project |
| Facility/Street/Highway | Sweetwater Lane |
| Limits | West Mount Houston to West Canino Road |
| Description | Reconstruct Sweetwater Lane into a curb and gutter concrete roadway, including construction of new sidewalks, streetlights, in-line drainage, traffic signals, widen bridge over Halls Bayou, and other access management improvements to improve safety and connectivity. |
| Timeframe | Short Term (0-5 Years) |
| Estimated Cost | $30,000,000.00 |
Investment Category-Focused Criteria
Roadway
Major Collector
The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project has a high potential for flooding during severe rainfall events. A swath of the project area is in the Halls Bayou floodway and the 100-year FEMA floodplain. To mitigate against high water and the impacts of flooding on roadway operations, the Sweetwater Lane Project includes drainage improvements designed to reduce impassability. The project consists of enhancing the stormwater infrastructure to convey water from the project area to Halls Bayou and inline detention, as well as two detention basins to mitigate the increased detention volume. These improvements will ensure that roads remain passable and minimize the risk of damage from flooding. This directly contributes to reducing periods of inoperability when the infrastructure is compromised, ensuring a more resilient and reliable route for movement and access, even in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, upgrading road conditions and pedestrian pathways by constructing 6-foot sidewalks on both sides with ADA ramps increases overall infrastructure operability and durability. The improvements to the bridge that spans Halls Bayou are designed to enhance its resilience against flooding to minimize the risk of damage that can lead to inoperability, guaranteeing a reliable transportation link for goods and services without significant interruptions. This strategic infrastructure enhancement maintains continuous access and reduces potential economic losses associated with infrastructure failure due to collisions and natural disasters.
5,721 total estimated daily users
62 years
Poor
No
No
No
Other Investment Category Focused Criteria
No
The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project, from West Canino Road to West Mount Houston Road, includes: -Constructing sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps -Improving the bridge over Halls Bayou -Reconfiguring intersections for better flow and safety The proposed project enhances roadway infrastructure, indirectly supporting the H-GAC 2023 Regional Goods Movement Plan Final Report objectives by improving traffic flow, alleviating congestion, and ensuring safer travel routes for freight movement. By upgrading roadways and improving bridge structures for better flood management, the project contributes to a more efficient transportation network. This supports the Plan's goals of enhancing regional goods movement through infrastructure improvements focused on safety and efficiency. Although the project is not designated as a critical freight corridor, UPS has a distribution warehouse within the project boundaries. Project improvements will alleviate congestion along Sweetwater Lane, which provides first-mile and last-mile connectivity to this important freight generator. These efforts facilitate smoother freight transportation, which is critical for regional economic development and connectivity.
The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project, detailed in the study report by RPS Infrastructure Inc., aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility within north central Harris County by constructing 6-foot sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps along the segment of Sweetwater Lane from West Canino Road to West Mount Houston Road. This initiative is designed to improve pedestrian access to schools, churches, and Metro stops, contributing to the overall development of high-growth areas. The residential land use adjacent to Sweetwater Lane between Westbrook Drive and Blue Bell Road may see additional single-family homes in the next 5 to 10 years. Additional commercial retail development is also anticipated between Canino Road and West Gulf Bank Road. There is also a potential expansion of warehouses and other freight generators, such as the UPS industrial facility. The Sweetwater Lane Project will mitigate against congestion by providing multi-modal opportunities through sidewalks on both sides and new Metro station pads for safer pedestrian and transit accessibility. The comprehensive approach, including drainage and environmental impact assessments, aligns with strategic objectives to foster economic development activity, alleviate future congestion, and enhance the quality of life in the rapidly growing regions of Harris County.
The proposed project for Sweetwater Lane aims to significantly improve traffic operations through infrastructure enhancements designed to accommodate both pedestrian and vehicular traffic more efficiently. Proposed project improvements include: Construction of Sidewalks and ADA-Compliant Ramps: The project focuses on constructing 6-foot wide sidewalks on both sides of the roadway throughout the project limits, within the existing right-of-way. This improvement enhances pedestrian safety and accessibility, indirectly contributing to smoother vehicular traffic by safely segregating pedestrian and vehicular flows. Intersection Improvements: The project includes critical intersection improvements. 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. Bridge Over Halls Bayou: While not directly related to traffic operation improvements, evaluating the bridge over Halls Bayou to accommodate proposed sidewalks indicates a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development. It contemplates future expansions or improvements that may indirectly benefit traffic operations by ensuring all roadway system components can support increased traffic volumes and pedestrian movement. Pavement and Drainage Improvements: The proposal includes reconstructing the existing asphalt pavement and introducing a new concrete pavement section 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. Metro Station Pads: The proposed project includes the construction of Metro Station Pads for safer and improved access to transit for vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists, pedestrians, and persons with disabilities requiring ADA accessibility and improved connectivity between sidewalks and bus stops. The project's emphasis on pedestrian infrastructure, alongside vehicular considerations such as intersection reconfigurations and pavement improvements, demonstrates a holistic approach to enhancing traffic operations on Sweetwater Lane. By addressing current inefficiencies and anticipating future needs, the project positions Sweetwater Lane to better serve its community by alleviating congestion, improving safety, and supporting economic development through improved infrastructure resilience and accessibility.
The proposed project for Sweetwater Lane significantly enhances walking and biking conditions by introducing new and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The project scope includes the construction of 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of Sweetwater Lane from West Canino Road to West Mount Houston Road. These sidewalks are designed to provide safe, ADA-compliant pathways for pedestrians, thereby encouraging walking as a viable and enjoyable mode of transportation within the area. Implementing Type 7 ADA ramps at all side street locations, along with Type 12 ADA ramps at major intersections such as West Canino Road, West Gulf Bank Road, and West Mount Houston Road, ensures that the infrastructure is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Additionally, the project proposes a 3-foot-wide buffer between the sidewalk and the back of the curb in most areas, enhancing pedestrian safety by creating a physical separation from vehicular traffic. This buffer, however, may be reduced in some areas due to right-of-way limitations or to avoid existing features like utilities and concrete parking lots. The project's design considers the need to maintain pedestrian infrastructure within the existing right-of-way, demonstrating a commitment to improving walking and biking conditions without significant disruptions to private property. Including sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps is a direct response to the community's need for improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. By providing safe, accessible, and continuous pathways along Sweetwater Lane, the project facilitates increased mobility for residents and visitors alike. It encourages active transportation modes, contributing to a healthier community and reducing reliance on motor vehicles for short trips. The project's emphasis on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure aligns with broader goals of enhancing the quality of life in the area, promoting sustainability, and supporting active lifestyles. The proposed project represents a significant investment in the pedestrian and cycling environment, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility and accessibility. It sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects in the vicinity, highlighting the importance of integrating pedestrian and cycling considerations into roadway design and planning.
The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project significantly enhances traffic conditions for transit services by updating the existing bus stops to the latest standards, improving their overall accessibility and functionality, and constructing bus pads. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) provided a comprehensive list of existing bus stop locations within the project limits on Bus Route 099 - Ella - FM 1960. As part of the project, all existing bus stops on Sweetwater Lane are proposed to be upgraded to the latest standard bus pad landings. These enhancements include installing Type IV Metro bus shelters, which will be added after the concrete bus pads and landings are constructed for all converted bus stops. The project aims to improve the experience for transit users by providing safer, more comfortable waiting areas and enhancing the overall efficiency of bus operations along Sweetwater Lane. By relocating the existing bus stops to the far side of each intersection in the direction of travel they are currently servicing, the project also aims to improve bus traffic flow and reduce delays caused by buses stopping at near-side stops, which can interfere with right-turning vehicles. These improvements to bus pads and shelters, coupled with the strategic relocation of bus stops, are expected to contribute to smoother transit operations, reduce congestion around bus stop areas, and enhance the safety and convenience of bus riders. The emphasis on upgrading transit infrastructure reflects a broader commitment to promoting public transportation as a viable and attractive option for residents and visitors, thereby supporting a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility system. The proposed project's focus on enhancing transit services and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure demonstrates a holistic approach to transportation planning. By addressing the needs of various road users, including transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists, the project aims to create a more connected, accessible, and user-friendly transportation network along Sweetwater Lane.
Planning Factors Criteria
1.218
0
The proposed Sweetwater Lane 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) provided in the H-GAC safety benefits calculation template, more precise estimations of how specific work type interventions included in the Sweetwater Lane project contribute to reducing fatalities and serious injury crashes can be made. The following improvements/work types are within the project scope: 1. Install Sidewalks (Work Type 407, CRF: 65%): The construction of sidewalks along Sweetwater Lane is expected to significantly improve pedestrian safety by reducing pedestrian-related crashes by up to 65%. This substantial reduction is attributed to providing a dedicated and safe space for pedestrians away from vehicular traffic. 2. Improve Intersection (Various Work Types): Intersection improvements, such as installing traffic signals (Work Type 107, CRF: 35%) and pedestrian signals (Work Type 110, CRF: 34%), can substantially reduce intersection-related crashes. Combining these measures can improve safety for all road users at intersections, where a significant portion of accidents often occur. 4. Drainage Improvements (Not specifically listed but related to surface condition improvements): While the CRF for drainage improvements specifically is not provided, similar improvements that lead to better road surface conditions, such as resurfacing (Work Type 303, CRF: 30%), can reduce crashes related to poor surface conditions by up to 30%. 5. Bus Stop Upgrades (Not specifically listed but related to pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements): Enhancing bus stops likely involves work types pertaining to pedestrian safety. For example, installing pedestrian crosswalks (Work Type 403, CRF: 10%) can improve safety for pedestrians crossing the road to access bus stops. 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
High
Medium
The proposed project includes significant drainage improvements to reduce vulnerability to flooding. These improvements involve constructing a closed storm sewer system to manage stormwater runoff and mitigate flooding risks effectively. The project analyzes hydrologic and hydraulic conditions to ensure no adverse drainage impacts, incorporating detention mitigation volumes and upsizing storm sewers for inline volume to manage 100-year storm event flows. These measures are aimed at maintaining roadway operability and reducing flood risk, contributing to the resilience of the infrastructure against flooding events. The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project enhances roadway resiliency through several drainage improvements: Underground Storm Sewer System: This system replaces existing open ditches and is designed to efficiently capture and convey stormwater away from the roadway, reducing surface water accumulation and the risk of flooding. Detention Basins: Specifically designed to mitigate increased detention volumes due to the project, these basins collect excess stormwater during heavy rainfall events and release it at a controlled rate to prevent overwhelming the drainage system. Floodplain Fill Mitigation: At Halls Bayou, to counteract the impact of increased impervious surfaces within the project limits and ensure that flood risk does not increase due to the project. Design Divided Among Drainage Areas: Targets specific hydrologic needs across the project, with detailed designs for each area to ensure adequate water conveyance to Halls Bayou, enhancing flood resilience. Collectively, these measures aim to reduce the roadway's vulnerability to flooding, ensuring it remains operational even during severe weather events, thus maintaining continuous access for goods movement and emergency services.
Access/Connectivity
17,898 Weighted Low & Moderate Income Persons -https://datalab.h-gac.com/ace/
23,805
No
Yes
Yes
Environmental Justice
17,898 (Weighted Low & Moderate Income Persons (2015))
23,805
5,185 (Population in Poverty)
1,343
762
5,721
57.6
The proposed project offers significant benefits to vulnerable populations, focusing on enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall pedestrian and bicycling environment. This initiative aligns with broader goals of supporting environmental justice by improving conditions in areas that may have been historically underserved or disproportionately affected by transportation infrastructure deficits. Safety Improvements: The project includes critical safety improvements, such as the construction of sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps. These enhancements provide safer pathways for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to essential services and reducing the risk of pedestrian-related accidents. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities: The project significantly upgrades the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure by constructing 6-foot wide sidewalks along both sides of Sweetwater Lane and incorporating ADA-compliant features. This promotes active transportation options and directly benefits vulnerable populations by providing safe, accessible routes for walking and biking. Such infrastructure is crucial for individuals who rely on walking or cycling as their primary mode of transportation, including those without access to a vehicle. Transit Stop Improvements: With 29 local bus stops within the project's boundaries, enhancements to transit infrastructure are crucial. Installing new bus pads for all converted bus stops aims to improve the overall transit experience. These improvements facilitate safer and more comfortable access to public transportation, a critical service for vulnerable populations who depend on transit for their daily needs. The project's focus on improving pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities reflects a commitment to enhancing mobility and safety for all community members, particularly those at greater risk due to socio-economic factors. Addressing these needs, the Sweetwater Lane project creates a more inclusive, equitable, and safe transportation environment for vulnerable populations.
The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project addresses adverse effects through targeted interventions designed to mitigate or avoid negative impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. These interventions are aligned with the identified adverse effects such as flooding, bodily harm, pollution, resource diminution, aesthetic value loss, community cohesion and economic vitality impacts, facility and service impacts, employment effects, displacement, and increased congestion. Here's how the project addresses these concerns: Safety Improvements: By constructing sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, and improving intersections, the project directly reduces the risk of bodily harm to pedestrians and cyclists, contributing to a safer community environment. Environmental Protections: Including green infrastructure and drainage improvements helps mitigate air, noise, and water pollution, as well as soil contamination. These measures ensure that the project does not exacerbate environmental degradation and actively contributes to preserving natural resources. Enhanced Aesthetic and Community Values: The project design considers the aesthetic value and cohesion of the community. The introduction of landscaped areas, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and well-designed transit stops help maintain and enhance the visual appeal and livability of the area. Support for Economic Vitality: By improving transportation access and connectivity, the project supports local businesses and can attract new economic opportunities to the area. The enhancements to transit facilities and pedestrian infrastructure also improve residents' access to employment, potentially reducing unemployment and underemployment rates. Minimization of Displacement: Through careful planning and design, the project aims to minimize the need for land acquisition, thereby reducing the risk of displacing residents, businesses, farms, or nonprofit organizations. The project prioritizes improvements within existing right-of-ways to avoid significant impacts on existing land use. Reduction in Traffic Congestion: The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion by improving traffic flow through intersection upgrades and enhancing transit services. This improves the overall quality of life for residents and reduces isolation and exclusion by ensuring more equitable access to transportation options. Avoidance of Service Interruptions: The project includes measures to ensure that construction and improvements do not significantly disrupt public or private facilities and services. By scheduling work to minimize downtime and providing alternative routes or solutions during construction, the project helps maintain continuity of services. These strategies demonstrate the project's comprehensive approach to mitigating adverse effects, focusing on protecting and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations. The Sweetwater Lane Reconstruction Project seeks to improve transportation infrastructure through thoughtful planning and targeted interventions while minimizing negative impacts on the community and the environment.
Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources
Wetland evaluations were conducted for the proposed improvements to Sweetwater Lane using current federally accepted procedures in the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidelines. Out of six samples collected within the project's boundaries, none satisfied the criteria to be classified as wetlands. The area at Halls Bayou is recognized as a U.S. water body and falls under jurisdictional waters, covering a 0.059-acre area within the right-of-way (ROW). The proposed bridge enhancements will affect less than 0.1 acre. An archaeological review and additional research performed by AmaTerra Environmental, Inc. in 2019 revealed that the new construction area within the existing ROW is significantly disturbed, with little chance of housing intact cultural resources. The project is unlikely to affect significant cultural resources. AmaTerra conducted an online records search through the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) Texas Archeological Sites Atlas (Atlas) to check for previously conducted archeological surveys and previously recorded sites that fall within one kilometer of the project area. Three archeological surveys have been conducted within one kilometer of the project area, one of which intersects the project area. The earliest cultural resources survey conducted within one kilometer of Sweetwater Lane was conducted in 1978 by the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation, southwest of the project area. In 2005, Atkins conducted a reconnaissance-level survey along Halls Bayou, which intersects the project area near its midpoint. In 2012, HRA Gray & Pape surveyed northwest of the project's northern terminus. None of these surveys recorded archeological sites within one kilometer of the current project area. Only one archeological site has been recorded within one kilometer of Sweetwater Lane. The site is situated 839 meters southeast of the project area on West Little York Road. Recorded in 1999, the site consisted of historic concrete pier foundations, a concrete cistern, a depression that was the probable location of a privy, and numerous historical artifacts that suggested the site dates from the 1870s to the 1960s. An apartment building now stands on the site. No historical markers, registered Texas historical landmarks, cemeteries, properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or properties designated by the THC or the City of Houston have been recorded within one kilometer of the project area. Based upon a review of information relevant to the proposed Harris County project, AmaTerra's staff archeologists have determined that the existing ROW where new construction is proposed is highly disturbed and has no potential to contain intact cultural resources. Disturbances within the existing ROW include the 22-foot-wide asphalt road, drainage ditches on both sides and multiple utility lines paralleling the road. Soils present within the project area have limited potential for intact archeological sites. All three soil series have shallow Holocene deposits and lack the potential for deeply buried sites. The Potential Archeology Liability Map (PALM) is a predictive model for prehistoric archeological sites that indicates the likelihood for sites to exist at various depths below the surface. The PALM shows low potential for prehistoric sites at any depth within the project area. Finally, the channel of Halls Bayou has been graded and modified, which has likely further altered natural deposits.
There was no reduction in NOx or VOCs due to no change in speed per the H-GAC tool. Based on FHWA research, 2 miles of trail is estimated to provide 0.9 tons of NOx reductions and 0.2 tons of VOC reductions per year. Source: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ENVIRonment/air_quality/cmaq/research/safetea-lu_phase_1/section_three.cfm
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, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The project will also utilize the latest technologies for transit signal priority and real-time traveler information systems to enhance transit service reliability and make it more attractive to potential riders. Additionally, the project will feature complete streets design elements to enhance accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities, and promote walking and biking as viable transportation options. 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.
Additional Documents
Pages from Combined H-GAC Call - Sweetwater Lane_PCT2.pdf