713-627-3200
Major Projects Questionnaire
Project Information
| Agency Name | Montgomery County |
| Project Title | FM 1485 Expansion |
| Facility/Street/Highway | FM 1485 |
| Limits | Lp 494 to SH 99 |
| Description | Expand from 2-lanes to 4-lane divided. |
| Timeframe | Medium Term (6-10 Years) |
| Estimated Cost | $95,000,000.00 |
Regional Transportation Plan Goals
FM 1485, between Loop 494 to SH 99, is a 2-lane roadway, classified as a major collection. This section of FM 1485 is approximately 5.8 miles. The roadway does not meet current design standards. The roadway has narrow shoulders and has poor sight distance due to inadequate horizontal and vertical curves. The project proposes to widen FM 1485 from 2 to 4-lanes with a 16-foot-wide raised median; 10-foot-wide shoulders and a 10-foot-wide shared use path would be in both directions. The project is included in the Montgomery County Major Thoroughfare Plan. The proposed improvements to FM 1485 meet the five goals of the 2045 RTP: 1. Improve Safety: Widening from two to four lanes and installing a raised median along the entire length of FM 1485 is anticipated to reduce crashes by 45% over the service life of 20 years. 2. Achieve and Maintain a State of Good Repair: The proposed project would completely reconstruct this section of FM 1485, requiring minimal maintenance for at least 20 years after completion. 3. Move People and Goods Efficiently: As a proposed multimodal facility, FM 1485 would be able to efficiently move vehicles, goods, and pedestrians/cyclists in a safe manner. 4. Strengthen Regional Economic Competitiveness: Proposed improvements to FM 1485 would provide enhanced connectivity for passenger vehicles and freight to I-69 and SH 99 for this growing community. 2045 population estimates a 207% growth from 2018 along with 180% growth in employment within the TAZ. The number of housing units in 2045 is anticipated to increase by 195%. 5. Conserve and Protect Natural and Cultural Resources: Montgomery County will be conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed improvements along FM 1485. After assessing environmental resources and constraints, the alignment and footprint of the roadway will be designed to avoid, minimize and mitigation sensitive environmental resources (natural and cultural). By adding one additional travel lane in each direction, congestion along the facility would be reduced, therefore improving overall air quality.
Regional Significance
Roadway
Major Collector
Potential Crash Reductions
Project Corridor has had 467 Crashes with 7 Fatal. Total Fatality Crash Rate: 4.785
Of the 467 crashes, 182 had injuries and 9 fatal injuries. Total Serious Injury Crash Rate: 9.038
Widening from two to four lanes and installing a raised median along the entire length of FM 1485 is anticipated to reduce crashes by 45% over the service life of 20 years. Additional elements such as full outside shoulders improve safety and can enhance emergency response time. Proposed 10-foot-wide shared use paths along both sides can reduce crashes by 20%. Design elements will also include pedestrian crosswalks at intersections.
Potential Congestion Reductions
No
1.25 – 1.50
As an alternative east/west connector route in between New Caney and SH 99/east Kingwood, FM 1485 is experiencing congestion due to growing residential and commercial development. Traffic and congestion will continue to increase throughout the corridor. Project will help to draw traffic away from SH 99. TTI value was obtained using the COMPAT TTI TAMU website/system. Existing TTI: 1.34
The widening of FM 1485 will provide congestion relief for automobile users. The proposed widening of FM 1485 is needed to support the future residential development and the projected growth in population and jobs for area of Montgomery County near New Caney. 2045 population estimates a 207% growth from 2018 along with 180% growth in employment within the TAZ. The number of housing units in 2045 is anticipated to increase by 195%. Project reconstruction and widening will significantly help this east/west corridor, with added capacity and safety enhancements. Safety Benefits: - Widen roadway to help accommodate current and future demand. Second travel lane will provide safe storage zones when cars are decelerating to make felt and right turns. And provide capacity with additional lane in each direction. - Improve horizontal and vertical profiles for greater sight visibility and stopping sight distances. - Improve signal alignment and function. Add lighting to intersection for better visibility. Work Types: Install Warning/Guide Signs, Improve Traffic Signals, Install Raised Median, Safety Treat Fixed Objects, Safety Lighting at Intersections, Install Pavement Markings, Install Edge Marking, Widen Paved Shoulder, Improve Vertical and Horizontal Alignments, Add Through Lane, and Convert 2-Lane Facility to 4-Lane Divided.
Connectivity to Jobs, Medical Facilities, and Activity Centers
Yes
The proposed project would improve connectivity to existing jobs; 2270 jobs (per 2018 data) and 6351 jobs (per 2045) within the ¼ mile buffer of the proposed FM 1485 project. This represents a 180% increase in jobs within the TAZ.
No
No
Proposed improvements to FM 1485 would provide enhanced connectivity to New Caney from areas to the east. FM 1485 provides access to I-69 and serves as a SH 99 (Grand Parkway) relief route. Significant growth is anticipated in this region of Montgomery County. 2045 population estimates a 207% growth from 2018 along with 180% growth in employment within the TAZ. The number of housing units in 2045 is anticipated to increase by 195%.
State of Good Repair
Awaiting intel from TxDOT
Poor
The proposed project would completely reconstruct this section of FM 1485, requiring minimal maintenance for at least 20 years after completion. AADT (2022) = 16,154 AADT (2023) = 17,769 Maintenance Section Boundaries: Districts: Houston, Maintenance Section 5, Montgomery Maintenance Section.
Biking and Walking Conditions
The proposed project includes a 10’ shared use path along both sides of the roadway. The current facility does not have pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. Over the next 20 years, the number of housing units along the corridor is anticipated to increase 195%.
Impacts to Vulnerable Populations
2015 weighted low to moderate-income household population = 38.4%
2021 Hispanic household population = 38.8% (7315 out of 18830), 2021 Non-Hispanic household population =6.5% (1289 out of 18830)
2021 household population under poverty = 12.4% (2326 out of 18830)
2021 Disabled Persons = 8.8% (1652 out of 18830)
2021 Elderly Persons = 2.2% (411 out of 18830)
2021 LEP = 5.2% (978 out of 18830)
22.5
The benefits of the proposed project such as improved mobility and safety, improved emergency response times, and increased operational efficiency of the proposed roadway would be experienced by all populations, including vulnerable communities. The addition of a 10-ft SUP along both sides of the roadway paired with pedestrian crosswalks would improve pedestrian access and connectivity within the proposed project corridor.
Extensive public engagement, including vulnerable populations, during all phases of the project, including planning, design, construction, and implementation will inform the project development process. Public involvement materials will be prepared in both English and Spanish and accommodation for other non-English speakers will be made as requested. The design will consider feedback from the community to address their needs within the project corridor. The proposed design will take into account the locations of community resources, especially those serving vulnerable populations and wherever possible avoid impacts to these resources. In addition, low-income and environmental justice communities will be identified using U.S. Census data and field verification; the design will avoid taking ROW from these communities and where possible consider specific community needs in these areas. For example, additional pedestrian crossings or additional outreach.
Hurricane Evacuation Route
No
No