2015 Call for Projects Application Listing

Project Information

Project Title SH 146 and IH 10 Improvements Primary Agency TxDOT Date Submitted 1/12/2015 5:07:11 PM

Project Narrative

Describe the primary problems to be addressed by the project (Project Need).
1500 characters max Currently, SH 146 at this location is a seven lane divided highway with a southbound dedicated right turn lane. The IH-10 westbound frontage road currently is three lanes with a left and U-turn lane available. The need for this project is demonstrated by the following: Data available for this project show that it is has the most ADT in the Chambers/Liberty area. Demand exceeds or approaches capacity for both a.m. & p.m. daily commute periods. Hurricane and Emergency evacuation options are a concern. Congestion due to competing uses (i.e. local traffic use and through traffic use). Roadway design deficiencies. Predicted increases in truck traffic due to growth of nearby industrial facilities. Describe the primary outcomes to be achieved by the project (Project Purpose).
1500 characters max By making these improvements, mobility and congestion will be improved as well as safety. This intersection is one of the heaviest used in the area, specifically, for industrial facilities located along both SH 146 and IH-10. These improvements will provide the mentioned benefits while minimizing adverse environmental effects. Describe the proposed improvement (Facility/Limits/Description).
1500 characters max The SH 146 right turn lane will be an extension and widening of an existing concrete right turn lane from the intersection north approximately 700 feet. The IH-10 westbound feeder will be an extension of an existing concrete lane approximately 600 feet to the east. There is also median improvements to the northbound left turn lane as well as the median for the westbound frontage road. No sidewalks are proposed as part of this project. This project does not require additional right-of-way. Describe any alternatives to the proposed improvement which have been considered or will be evaluated.
3000 characters max Other conceptual alternatives were considered including a no build alternative. The improvements outlined in this application represent the preferred alternative. Please describe any opportunities for staged construction of the project.
1500 characters max This project will not be staged as the improvements are needed cunccurent with each other as to reduce the issues presented. Staged Construction Attachment

Project Narrative

Has a scoping meeting been conducted with TxDOT or FTA?
Note: A brief scoping meeting will be scheduled during the application review period for any “Major Investment” project which has not already had one. No Please attach a completed scoping checklist or meeting summary.

What level of environmental documentation is required for the proposed project? Categorical Exclusion (CE) Which CE does the proposed project scope qualify for? (c)(26) Modernization of a highway which meets constraints in paragraph (e) Will any permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, railroad, etc. be required before the project can be constructed? No Please describe the permits needed and the timeline anticipated to acquire them.
1000 characters max Please provide an estimated completion date for the 30% Design/PS&E milestone. 01/01/2017 Will additional property, or interest in property (easement), be required to implement the project? No How many parcels or portions thereof remain to be acquired? Please provide an estimated date for the completion of property acquisition necessary for construction activities to begin. Has a utility evaluation been completed for the project? Yes Please describe the process for utility adjustments/relocations (entity responsible, financial responsibility, etc.). Utilities have been identified. At this time, there are no significant problems or anticipated impacts to the project schedule with respect to utility adjustment other than TxDot facilities. Those are described as follows: There will be a traffic signal, pedestrian pole, and luminair that will need to be relocated as part of this project. An existing storm sewer will need to be extended as part of this project. Will the project improve or significantly affect infrastructure owned or operated by another agency? No Please describe the affect and supply evidence of support from the affected agency. Evidence of Agency Support Attachment

Please describe previous and upcoming public involvement activities related to the proposed project. Please see attached. Public Involvement Attachment

300789112201550635PM.pdf

Please provide any additional project development/readiness information relevant to the proposed project. This project may be constructed at this time due to the CE availible. Additional Project Development/Readiness Attachment

300789112201550552PM.docx

Map/Location

Please provide a clear and concise GIS coverage or PDF map of the proposed project.
(*.mpk ESRI Map Package file preferred)

300789112201520508PM.pdf

Project Budget

Please attach a completed project budget worksheet.
Templates are available on the 2015 TIP Call Website
Uploaded files are limited to Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets, PDFs, GIS files, and image files.
File size cannot exceed 30MB.

300789112201520600PM.pdf

Is this application for a transit project, ITS project, or other project that would have a significant ongoing operating/maintenance cost? No Please attach a completed 5-year annual operating budget worksheet.
Templates are available on the 2015 TIP Call Website
Uploaded files are limited to Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets, PDFs, GIS files, and image files.
File size cannot exceed 30MB.

Are transportation development credits being requested? No Please attach a completed TDC application.
Templates are available on the 2015 TIP Call Website
Uploaded files are limited to Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets, PDFs, GIS files, and image files.
File size cannot exceed 30MB.

Benefit/Cost Methodology

Please attach the completed BCA Excel worksheet and narrative explanation of analyses used

BCA Excel spreadsheet

Analysis Narrativet

Narrative Benefits

Safety: Please provide additional description of project benefits. By extending these lanes within the project scope, it will improve traffic safety by reducing possible rear end crashes. Safety Narrative Attachmentt

300789112201520639PM.pdf

Congestion: Please provide additional description of project benefits. This project is located in a largely industrial/residential area and traverses the municipal jurisdictions of Baytown and Mont Belvieu. Commercial land use adjacent to the corridor is largely near the intersection of SH 146 and IH-10, north and south of the project site and includes restaurants, hotels, small retail centers, fueling stations and a Super WalMart which site is not fully built out. Residential development consisting of both single and multi-family housing is keeping pace with increased employment in the project area and surrounding areas specifically south and east of the project area, such as Baytown, Mont Belvieu, Cove and Beach City. Congestion Narrative Attachmentt

Asset Management/Operations: Please provide additional description of project benefits. Long term aspects come from this project. The life cycle will be improved derived from the physical preservation, congestion relief, safety and economic productivity to name a few. Asset Mgmt/Ops Narrative Attachmentt

Regional Economic Competitiveness: Please provide additional description of project benefits. The Petroleum industry has made substantial investments to existing and new refinery and gas facilities for the Mont Belvieu and Baytown areas. Also, the expansion of public and private barge terminals located along Cedar Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel. Econ Competitiveness Narrative Attachmentt

Natural/Cultural Resources: Please provide additional description of project benefits. The Department's Modus Operandi related to the natural and cultural resources is: avoid, minimize, mitigate. This project/preferred alternative is not anticipated to result in: Significant soils affected, substantial interuption of utility services, reduced community cohesion, Isolation of distinct areas or ethnic groups and all individual minority and low-income populations will be equally affected, Displaced businesses, Loss of jobs and a minimal amount of land will be removed from the tax base, Imapcts to historical structures, Impacts to parks, recreation areas, refuges, etc. The No Build scenario will have a negative impact on the community as traffic will increase, causing more congestion, and a general deterioration of mobility. Conversely, this project will improve travel time and improve existing congestion. Environment Narrative Attachmentt

300789112201520711PM.pdf