2015 Call for Projects Application Listing

Project Information

Project Title City of Tomball FM 2920 Primary Agency City of Tomball Date Submitted 1/12/2015 5:29:32 PM

Project Narrative

Describe the primary problems to be addressed by the project (Project Need).
1000 characters max The rapid increase in commercial, retail, and residential development along FM 2920 within City of Tomball continues to increase year after year and is anticipated to increase rapidly. Currently, the proposed project segment of FM 2920 carries approximately 31,000 vehicles per day in 2015. In 2040, it is anticipated to carry approximately 39,000 vehicles per day. This is primarily due to the regional increase in population along FM 2920. As a result of this growth, motorists will face more delays along FM 2920 due to anticipated commercial and residential development, along with associated infrastructure. In addition, the proposed project segment of FM 2920 is anticipated to see an increased pedestrian activity which requires efficient and safe vehicular and ADA accessible pedestrian facilities. The City of Tomball downtown area where the right-of-way narrows in some areas to 60 feet, with no median separators or turning lanes at the major intersections significantly impact the flow and safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The existing utility lines wastewater, water, and gas are maintained by City of Tomball and it is an aged facility and is in need of improvement and upgrade to meet the demands of the future. The storm drain system is currently not able to handle major rain events adequately. One of the major problems identified in the Tomball Livable Centers Study was that the sidewalks are too narrow and really in poor condition to provide a vibrant downtown center for the City of Tomball. In addition, the eight major signalized intersections along FM 2920 are antiquated equipment that do not provide proper safe pedestrian crossings and do not provide interconnectivity to synchronize the signals for efficient movement of through traffic and do not provide better access to local traffic along the corridor. The existing flexible pavement along FM 2920 is rated poor to very poor as reported in the 2014 TxDOT Pavement Conditions Score Map. Describe the primary outcome to be achieved by the project (Project Purpose).
1000 characters max The purpose of the proposed project is to reconstruct FM 2920 corridor between Business SH 249 to Willow Street within the City limits of City of Tomball by being selected in the 2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for funding. FM 2920 is a regional major thoroughfare that connects major regional freeways IH 45, US 290, and SH 249. In preparation for the proposed project, the City of Tomball, in association with primary stakeholders (i.e., TxDOT and HGAC), has lead an access management study “FM 2920 Access Management Study”, and a livable centers study “Tomball Downtown Urban Design Plan”. Some of the findings of these particular two studies are removal of FM 2920 on-street parking and provide off-street parking lots on adjacent streets with adequate signage, add way-finding kiosks/maps and signage, introduce raised median at strategic locations along FM 2920 with pedestrian refuge, provide left-turn lanes with appropriate storage lengths, widen and improve sidewalks on both sides of FM 2920 that are ADA accessible, and upgrade signal equipment to provide vehicular synchronization and safe ADA accessible pedestrian crossings. In addition, the proposed improvement will upgrade substandard roadway facilities such as, the existing flexible pavement with concrete pavement that will also reduce TxDOT roadway pavement surface maintenance budget in the long run; replace and upgrade storm drain system that will be able to handle typical storm events; and replace and/or upgrade existing utilities maintained by City of Tomball such as waste water, water, and gas. In addition, according to the findings of Tomball Downtown Urban Design Plan; sidewalks on both sides of FM 2920 will be implemented to create a vibrant downtown center. Describe the proposed improvement (Facility/Limits/Description).
1000 characters max The proposed project is to reconstruct FM 2920 corridor between Business SH 249 to Willow Street as shown in the schematic drawing attached. The proposed 1.7 miles of roadway improvements include removal of existing sidewalks, curb and gutter, pavement surface and reconstructing the entire roadway segment with concrete pavement, curb, and concrete sidewalks. In some locations, partial right-of-way acquisition is necessary to maintain appropriate curb returns and other roadside objects such as wider sidewalks and street lighting. All signals along the proposed corridor will be replaced to current standards with the latest equipment to meet ADA requirements. The signals will also be interconnected by a communication line to allow signal coordination and optimize vehicular movement along the corridor. All other traffic control devices such as signs and pavement markings will also be removed and replaced as part of the improvement. All driveways and curb cuts will also be reconstructed with modified access; such as the Burger King driveway, which has been modified from the original schematic proposal completed previously. New raised medians will be included at strategic locations to facilitate access to/from adjacent properties and improve mobility along the corridor. An existing at-grade railroad crossing will also be upgraded with new railroad crossing panels and railroad warning lights/gates to fit the new cross section and vertical grade at the crossing. All existing storm sewer lines, manholes, and catch basins will be removed and replaced with new structures to meet current requirements. In addition, water, wastewater, and gas utilities, including fire hydrants, which are all under the jurisdiction of City of Tomball will be replaced and/or upgraded as part of this improvement. Describe any alternatives to the proposed improvement which have been considered or will be evaluated.
2000 characters max The City of Tomball did perform sidewalk evaluation in April, 2014 within the Downtown area along this corridor and found that the cost and effort was beyond a typical sidewalk addition project; therefore the City decided to pursue TIP funding for what is being proposed in this application package. To this end the City of Tomball has implemented measures to relocate some on-street parking along this segment of FM 2920 by building off-site parking lot as an initial effort according to the Access Management and Livable Center study findings in preparation to begin the design process of the proposed improvement. In addition, the City of Tomball has recently contacted TxDOT to hold off a mill & overlay pavement surface maintenance effort scheduled to be completed in February 2015 in anticipation of the TIP funding. TxDOT resurfaces flexible pavements without major investment in a 6 to 7 year cycle, while the proposed concrete pavement will have a service life of 20 years which will decrease TxDOT’s maintenance effort on FM 2920 for the coming years.

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)(22) Projects that would take place entirely within the existing operational ROW Will any permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, railroad, etc. be required before the project can be constructed? Yes Please describe the permits needed and the timeline anticipated to acquire them.
1000 characters max A railroad agreement with BNSF will be required. The proposed design effort will coordinate with BNSF to get approval of the improvement plan in the vicinity of the railroad crossing, and execute all necessary agreements with BNSF to bid the project, and then coordinate all construction activities with BNSF. Discussion with BNSF will begin as soon as the City of Tomball secures professional services contract for design which is anticipated to be in place by August 2015. By December 2016 it is anticipated BNSF agreement will be in place to implement the proposed project. Please provide an estimated completion date for the 30% Design/PS&E milestone. 29/02/2016 Will additional property, or interest in property (easement), be required to implement the project? Yes How many parcels or portions thereof remain to be acquired? 57 Please provide an estimated date for the completion of property acquisition necessary for construction activities to begin. 31/08/2017 Has a utility evaluation been completed for the project? No Please describe the process for utility adjustments/relocations (entity responsible, financial responsibility, etc.). There are four primary utilities within the FM 2920 corridor. The three major utilities are water, wastewater, and gas including fire hydrants are maintained and operated by City of Tomball. The City of Tomball will relocate and/or upgrade the three utilities as part of the proposed project. The estimated cost for utility relocation is approximately $1.5 million. The fourth major utility stakeholders are private utilities within the public right-of-way; such as AT&T and CenterPoint. Private utilities will relocate as necessary at their own expense. Since the City of Tomball is anticipating beginning the design process in August, 2015; coordination efforts with private utility stakeholders will begin immediately to complete the final PS&E and begin construction activities. Will the project improve or significantly affect infrastructure owned or operated by another agency? Yes Please describe the affect and supply evidence of support from the affected agency. The agency that will be positively impacted by the proposed project is TxDOT, as TxDOT is the owner and has roadway maintenance responsibility of FM 2920 along the proposed improvement. Replacement of the existing flexible pavement with concrete pavement will significantly reduce periodic overlay budget in the long run. TxDOT resurfaces flexible pavement surfaces in 6 to 7 year cycle. The proposed concrete pavement will have a service life of approximately 20 years without significant investment which will decrease TxDOT’s maintenance effort on FM 2920 for years to come. As the attached letter demonstrates, TxDOT is in full support of this project by a show of commitment to contribute 20% toward the project funding. In addition, the City of Tomball Council has also approved the attached schematic drawing concept and has committed $3 million towards design efforts and any other activities as necessary to secure the TIP funding. Evidence of Agency Support Attachment

TxDOT and City of Tomball Letters of Support.pdf

Please describe previous and upcoming public involvement activities related to the proposed project. The FM 2920 Access Management Study, led by Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), involved efforts to maximize public involvement. There were two series of public meetings, which consisted of two separate meeting locations per series in order to maximize participation. A website was also developed to keep the public informed of current project progress. The Steering Committee, comprised of Houston-Galveston Area Council, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Tomball, City of Waller, Harris County, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce was able to serve as a guide for the study. Public input was sought during the first meeting series via a questionnaire and through a comment card on the proposed recommendations at the second meeting series. A total of 80 comments were received at the first meeting series and 54 comments during the second meeting series. From the questionnaire and comments, it was found that the public’s top three priorities for the FM 2920 corridor were to improve mobility, improve public safety, and improve intersection operations. In addition to the FM 2920 Access Management Study, H-GAC conducted a Livable Centers – Downtown Plan report. There were two public meetings held to gather feedback from the public. Citizens were invited to participate in both meetings in the form of workshops and breakout sessions, where public opinion and input regarding parking, streetscape, and the Depot Plaza. City of Tomball Council approved the attached schematic drawings in December, 2014. As part of the design effort for the proposed project the City of Tomball will continue to present design progress and public outreach meetings during the design and construction efforts to solicit comments on construction phasing and particularly to adjacent property owners to get feedback and minimize construction impacts including City Council updates periodically. Public Involvement Attachment

Livable Centers and Access Management Reports.pdf

Please provide any additional project development/readiness information relevant to the proposed project. Schematic drawing of the proposed improvements has been developed. Based on the schematic drawings detailed probable cost estimate was developed. Additional Project Development/Readiness Attachment

Schematic Drawings_Detailed Cost Estimate_Preliminary Schedule_Tech Memo.pdf

Map/Location

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

141125 Study Area FM 2920.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.

FM 2920 - Project Budget for TIP.xlsx

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 - Roadway/Mobility (Non-ITS)

Safety – Accident Cost Savings

Please attach the completed BCA Excel worksheet and appropriate narrative of analysis used.

150108 - Safety Benefits.xlsx

Benefit Cost Analysis Narrative.pdf

Regional Impact

NHS/Principal Arterial Even though FM 2920 is not listed on the National Highway System map of Texas; FM 2920 is recognized by City of Tomball Major Thoroughfare Plan as a critical FM roadway because the main purpose of FM roadways is to move large volumes of traffic through an urban area and provides direct access to local freeways, while also providing controlled access to adjacent businesses. TxDOT functional classification of FM 2920 is an “Urban Minor Arterial” according to the Statewide Planning Map. As such, FM 2920 proposed improvement will improve regional connectivity as evidenced by volume of traffic on FM 2920 which is well over local demands that can be reasonably expected within the proposed project limits (31,000 vehicles per day). In addition, FM 2920 is a regional major thoroughfare that connects major regional freeways IH 45, US 290, and SH 249 which are primary freeway systems in the region. No FM 2920 is not designated as a hazardous and/or heavy cargo route by TxDOT. No There are currently no existing or planned fixed route transit services along the FM 2920 corridor in the study area.

Design/Corridor Mobility

Yes As shown in the schematic drawings there will be appropriate length of raised medians to be installed at critical signalized intersections to limit access and improve mobility for the through movements and improve pedestrian crossings at the signalized intersections. At the intersection of Business SH 249 and FM 2920, and the segment of FM 2920 between Pine Street and Elm Street which is City of Tomball core downtown area. In addition, due to the implementation of raised medians, a full access unsignalized intersection of FM 2920 and Oak Street will be converted to a limited access intersection to become right-in and right-out to/from Oak Street to FM 2920. Yes On FM 2920 within the core City of Tomball core downtown area approximately between Pine Street and Elm Street greater than 5 feet wide sidewalks are proposed on both sides primarily due to existing and anticipated growth in pedestrian activity as shown in the schematic drawings. Except the location mentioned above the entire remaining project is proposed to install AASHTO standard sidewalks on both sides of FM 2920 with ADA compliant access ramps for pedestrian accommodations. In addition, all the reconstructed signals along the proposed corridor will be upgraded to current standards with the latest equipment to meet ADA requirements. All these needed pedestrian accommodations are non-existent currently. Yes As part of the proposed improvements signal interconnect communication line will be installed at least between the eight reconstructed signals to truly coordinate FM 2920 corridor and ultimately allowing TxDOT (the owner and operator), and City of Tomball (the user) facilitate vehicular traffic in an efficient way and also address incidents and special events along the corridor.

Community

Yes H-GAC has conducted two studies, FM 2920 Access Management Study and Tomball Livable Centers – Downtown Plan; which recommended improvements along the proposed segment of FM 2920 between Business SH 249 and Willow Street. http://www.fm2920mobility.org/

Livable Centers and Access Management Reports.pdf

Yes FM 2920 is recognized by City of Tomball Council adopted Major Thoroughfare Plan providing needed regional connection between IH 45, SH 249, and US 290 which are regional freeway systems. The plan also identifies FM 2920 as a critical FM roadway because the main purpose of FM roadways is to move large volumes of traffic through an urban area and provides direct access to local freeways, while also providing controlled access to adjacent businesses. TxDOT functional classification of FM 2920 is an “Urban Minor Arterial” according to the Statewide Planning Map.