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Landing Blvd Extension/NASA Road 1 Bypass League City 1/12/2015 4:16:40 PMProject Narrative
The proposed project is needed to provide adequate vehicle capacity to match increasing traffic demand on existing area thoroughfares, improve access to neighborhoods and businesses, provide connectivity to local and regional destinations, and to provide an additional north/south route for evacuation purposes. The League City and Webster communities have grown substantially, resulting in increasing traffic demand on the existing major thoroughfares. Between 2000 and 2010 Webster’s population increased 14.5% from 9,083 to 10,400. During the same period, League City’s population increased by 83.6% from 45,517 to 83,560. (U.S. Census, CensusViewer). H-GAC’s regional forecast projects that League City’s population will reach 174,129 and Webster’s population will reach 18,438, a combined population close to 200,000 by 2040. Comparison of existing traffic counts and forecast traffic shows that considerable traffic growth is anticipated on major north-south thoroughfares in League City and Webster. North-south circulation west of IH 45 S between League City and Webster is limited to Bay Area Boulevard, located approximately 2.5 miles west of IH 45 S. North-south traffic currently uses east-west thoroughfares FM 528 and FM 518 (West Main Street) to reach the north-south routes of Bay Area Boulevard and the IH 45 S frontage roads. The provision of additional north-south access and capacity would contribute to addressing continued, increasing congestion on the east-west thoroughfares. FM 518 is considered the primary artery of League City. It connects neighborhoods with significant retail/commercial development along the corridor and IH 45 S. FM 518 currently exhibits a high density of signalized intersections, some of which operate at Level of Service (LOS) “E” or “F” during peak travel times. Similarly, FM 528 is a primary east-west arterial through Webster that experiences LOS E and F at its intersection with IH 45 S frontage roads. The proposed project would reconfigure the existing intersection at IH 45 S at NASA Bypass to allow north bound access at that intersection rather than requiring northbound motorists to use FM 518 or FM 528. The redesigned intersection will divert a portion of the traffic from the existing intersections, decreasing travel delays at and potentially reducing crash rates at those critical intersections. League City and Webster residents have limited access to the IH 45 S, the major evacuation route in the area. The project would provide alternative access to areas north of the cities. Residents living east of IH 45 S would be able to connect to FM 528, and ultimately to SH 35 and points, beyond via the NASA Road 1 Bypass. Residents to the south, in League City, would have direct access to FM 528 west of IH 45 S. Improved access out of the area could make a critical difference in the success or failure of a mandatory evacuation. League City’s existing roadway network is characterized by traffic congestion on the major east-west corridors and a significant number of congested intersections, primarily along FM 518. Historically, the city’s mobility has been served by the state highways and FM roads, which form the framework of major arterials in the city. As the City has grown, this reliance on the arterial system without the adequate development of a complementary collector street system has become problematic. This deficiency in the roadway network presents connectivity and mobility challenges and places a substantial burden on the city’s arterial streets, resulting in congestion and high accident rates. (League City Master Mobility Plan 2011) The primary purpose of the proposed project is to provide a north-south connector route between FM 528 in Webster and FM 518 in League City that would serve as an alternative to Bay Area Boulevard and IH 45 S. This additional connector route is intended to provide access to residential, commercial and retail areas along the FM 528 and FM 518 corridors. This north-south connection would help relieve traffic demand on portions of FM 528 and FM 518, and help alleviate the growing congestion on these thoroughfares. It is also expected to divert traffic from the intersections of FM 528 at IH 45 S and FM 518 at IH 45 S. The completed Landing Boulevard extension would be expected to have average daily traffic (ADT) of approximately 60,000 vehicles per day (vpd). A corresponding 20 percent reduction in forecasted traffic on FM 518 east of Landing Boulevard and an approximate 11 percent reduction in ADT on FM 518 west of Landing Boulevard would be anticipated. According to travel demand modeling, corresponding reductions in traffic could occur on facilities as far away as West Bay Area Boulevard and State Highway 3. Traffic on the IH 45 frontage roads would also likely benefit. Traffic generated by current and future commercial and residential land uses along NASA Road 1, FM 528 and FM 518 would benefit from improvements in circulation and access for the area between FM 528 and FM 518. The new route will improve access to businesses and residential areas developing between FM 528 and FM 518 and provide an alternative north-south connection to regional employment destinations such as the Houston central business district and Texas Medical Center. The project would also serve as an additional route for hurricane evacuation. The new route will be highly effective in this regard once Beamer Road is extended south to FM 528, as shown in Harris County’s major thoroughfare plan. League City has proposed the extension of Landing Boulevard, from its current terminus just north of FM 518 (West Main Street) in League City, Galveston County, to the proposed NASA Road 1 Bypass Extension in Webster, Harris County. The NASA 1 Bypass is an east-west oriented 4-lane road that terminates at IH 45 S on the west. The City of Webster has proposed the extension of the NASA Road 1 Bypass from IH 45 S westward to FM 528. The Nasa Road 1 Bypass extension provides a logical northern terminus for the proposed Landing Blvd. extension. The benefits in terms of providing additional connectivity, access and travel time savings in this rapidly growing area will be enhanced with the construction of each new roadway segment. While the benefits may be analyzed cumulatively, the implementation will staged in two phases: Phase 1 will extend Landing Blvd. from FM 518 to NASA Road 1 Bypass at IH 45 S; Phase 2 will construct NASA Road 1 Bypass Extension from Landing Blvd. to FM 528. Details of the phasing are provided later in this application. Each phase will be constructed as a 4-lane, divided roadway. For each phase, the proposed right-of-way width is 100 to 120 feet in most sections. The proposed right-of-way width from FM 518 to north of the Clear Creek tributary is approximately 80 feet. From that point north to IH 45, the proposed right-of-way width is 100 feet. Along existing Landing Boulevard, the project would use existing right-of-way as much as possible. League City has coordinated with Center Point Energy regarding the proposed project alignment crossing a utility easement and relocating electrical transmission line poles currently standing within the proposed alignment. Utilities such as water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, telephone cables, electrical lines, and other subterranean and aerial utilities may require adjustments at various locations along the proposed facility. The adjustment of any utilities would be handled so that no substantial disruption of service would take place while the adjustments are being made. Total project cost is estimated to be $31.4 million. Phase 1 is estimated at $19.4 million and Phase 2 is estimated at $12.0 million (inclusive of design, right-of-way acquisition, utilities, and construction). The project design will be sensitive to its proximity to Challenger Memorial Park. Options for noise mitigation and landscaping that reflect the park's pastoral setting are being reviewed by stakeholders. The following alternatives were considered for Phase 1. While a No Build Alternative avoids adverse impacts associated with new construction, it would not meet the proposed project’s need and purpose because it would not provide for improved mobility and congestion relief. A No-Build alternative is inconsistent with local and regional transportation planning efforts. Alternatives Considered but Eliminated Alternative 1 would include a 4-lane, divided roadway, with two 12-foot lanes in each direction and 2-foot curb and gutters, beginning at the intersection of the existing Landing Boulevard and FM 518 in League City. The proposed roadway would proceed north along existing Landing Boulevard to its terminus (cul-de-sac) and extend northward across a tributary of Clear Creek. At that point, the facility would curve to the northwest after traversing the tributary and cross the CenterPoint utility easement. As it would enter the utility corridor, Alternative 1 would expand from a facility with an 80-foot-wide right-of-way and a 4-foot median, to a 100-foot right-of-way and a 36-foot-wide median that could accommodate two 10-foot-wide bike paths. The alignment would curve north above the Clear Creek channel and skirt the edge of county parkland before re-entering the utility corridor. This alternative would continue straight north until meeting and following the proposed NASA 1 Bypass alignment eastward to the project terminus at IH 45. Alternative 2 would replicate Alternative 1 up to the point where it approaches Clear Creek. The alignment would cross Clear Creek and curve to the north onto the edge of Challenger 7 Park and skirt the edge of the utility corridor. This alternative would continue straight north, exiting the park across undeveloped public land until meeting and following the proposed NASA 1 Bypass alignment eastward to the project terminus at IH 45. Alternative 3 would replicate Alternative 1 up to the point where the alignment approaches Clear Creek. The alignment would cross Clear Creek and curve to the north over county parkland before re-entering the utility corridor, proposed right-of-way being lying adjacent to the park. This alternative would continue straight north in the utility easement, and then straddle the boundary of the easement and undeveloped public land beyond the park vicinity, until meeting and following the proposed NASA 1 Bypass alignment eastward to the project terminus at IH 45. Alternative 4 would proceed north along existing Landing Boulevard to its terminus (cul-de-sac) and extend northward across a tributary of Clear Creek. North of the existing Landing Boulevard facility, Alternative 4 would become a 2-lane facility with 12-foot-wide lanes, 2-foot curb and gutters, and a 50-foot-wide right-of-way. After crossing the tributary, the alignment would curve northwestward and enter into the CenterPoint utility easement. It would proceed north within the easement near its western boundary, and then shift west onto undeveloped public land north of the county park. Within this area, the facility would expand to a 4-lane, divided roadway, with two 12-foot lanes in each direction, a 24-foot-wide median, and a 100-foot-wide right-of-way, until meeting and following the proposed NASA 1 Bypass alignment eastward to the project terminus at IH 45. All four alternatives were judged to be inferior to Alternative 5 (described below), since that alternative would provide adequate capacity (unlike Alternative 4) and would avoid the impacts to county parkland and minimize the use of the utility corridor that would be required under Alternatives 1 through 4. Preferred Alternative Build Alternative 5 is the preferred alternative for Phase 1. The Preferred Alternative includes a 4-lane, divided roadway, with two 12-foot lanes in each direction and 2-foot curb and gutters, beginning at the intersection of the existing Landing Boulevard and FM 518 in League City. The proposed roadway would proceed north along existing Landing Boulevard to its terminus (cul-de-sac) and extend northward across a tributary of Clear Creek. At that point, the facility would curve to the northwest after traversing the tributary and cross the CenterPoint utility easement. As it would enter the utility corridor, the Preferred Alternative would expand from a facility with an 80-foot-wide right-of-way and a 4-foot median, to a 100-foot right-of-way and a 36-foot-wide median that could accommodate two 10-foot-wide bike paths. The alignment would curve north above the Clear Creek channel and skirt the edge of county parkland before re-entering the utility corridor. This alternative would continue straight north until meeting and following the proposed NASA 1 Bypass alignment eastward to the project terminus at IH 45. The project is proposed for construction in two phases. Phase 1 will extend Landing Boulevard from its current terminus just north of FM 518 to a point where it will connect to an extension of NASA Road 1 Bypass. That road currently terminates at the IH 45 S frontage roads. This connection will provide direct access to IH 45 S for northbound and southbound motorists as well as a connection to destinations east of IH 45 S. Phase 2 would begin at the Landing Boulevard Extension and end in the vicinity if FM 528. Phase 1 traverses the City of League City’s and the City of Webster’s city limits. The City of League City has begun the environmental and schematic process for Phase 1. It is coordinating its efforts with the City of Webster, as well as, Harris and Galveston Counties. The city has executed an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT to review the environmental documents. Construction of Phase 1 will be undertaken jointly by the two cities. The roles and responsibilities of each city in that effort will be further defined as project development progresses. This application is intended for Phase 1 of the overall project. It is anticipated that Phase 1 will receive environmental clearance in 2015, allowing right-of-way acquisition to begin in 2016 and construction beginning in 2018. The new road is anticipated to be open to traffic in 2020. The application requests federal funding assistance for the right-of-way acquisition and construction phases of Phase 1.Project Narrative
YesLanding Blvd ENV Risk Assessment Form RES.pdf
Environmental Assessment (EA) Please Select Yes The preferred alignment will require the construction of a bridge over Clear Creek and will traverse low-lying areas in League City and Webster. A Section 404 permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers. A Coast Guard bridge permit would not be required because this part of Clear Creek does not meet their definition of navigable water; however, the Coast Guard may need to approve the bridge lighting because it is tidally influenced water. A General Construction Permit will be required from TCEQ (water quality). A Floodplain Development Permit is required. The environmental documentation will determine the need for an archeological survey. If an archeological survey is required, a survey permit will be needed from the Texas Historical Commission/State Historical Preservation Officer. The timelines for the permits vary depending on the agency and the NEPA document findings. If an archeological permit is required, it will take approximately six weeks. It is typically part of the NEPA effort. Applications for other permits are made post-NEPA document completion. The Corps of Engineers permits generally take the longest (as much as six months). 15/04/2015 Yes It is estimated that approximately eight parcels will be acquired for the new location portion of Phase 1. 01/09/2017 Yes League City has coordinated with CenterPoint Energy regarding the proposed project alignment crossing a utility easement and relocating electrical transmission line poles currently standing within the proposed alignment. Utilities such as water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, telephone cables, electrical lines, and other subterranean and aerial utilities may require adjustments at various locations along the proposed facility. The adjustment of any utilities would be handled so that no substantial disruption of service would take place while the adjustments are being made. No Phase 1, Landing Boulevard Extension/NASA Road 1 Bypass Extension project, is included in the League City Master Mobility Plan 2011 and the City of Webster’s Comprehensive Plan (2014). Both documents were developed with significant input from area residents and business owners. They are publicly available on their respective city web sites. A public information meeting was held on Thursday, November 14, 2013, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the League City Civic Center to discuss Phase 1 project alternatives. The public meeting had an open house format in which participants were able to view project exhibits at their convenience and ask questions of TxDOT and consultant staff. Comment forms were provided for written submittal of comments during the meeting or which could be mailed in afterward during the comment period. A total of 62 persons attended, excluding government and consulting staff. The public was presented with a description of the proposed project and its purpose and need. They were shown each of the alternatives that were under for the study area. A timeline for completion of the project showing critical milestones was provided for comment. Generally, the public comments were supportive of the purpose and need for the project. Of the options presented, Alternatives 2 and 4 were most supported by those who provided comments during and after the public meeting. Concerns were raised regarding potentially negative impacts to neighborhoods adjacent to the alternative alignments and impacts to Challenger Park and Cypress Creek. Based upon those comments, a new alternative (the preferred alternative described in the previous section) was selected that minimizes those impacts. The city has continued to work with residents and businesses to refine the alignment to further minimize impacts to private property and the park. A second public meeting is scheduled for early 2015 to present those findings. In 2013, League City executed a contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff for planning, design and environmental document preparation for Phase 1. The environmental work will be completed in 2015 with environmental clearance anticipated in December 2015. League City executed an Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT on June 20, 2014 to review the environmental documents and plans, specifications and estimates (P,S&E). The AFA is attached below.Map/Location
Evalutation Questions - Major Investments
Benefit/Cost Methodology
Please attach the completed BCA Excel worksheet and narrative explanation of analyses used