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8/4/2019 Greater West Houston Subregional Planning Initiative Proposal
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GreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiativeProposal
EnergyCorridor,WestchaseandMemorialCityDistricts&
TheCityofHoustonwiththeWestHoustonAssociation
TheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiativewillbeacomprehensivemulti-modaltransportation
studythatintegrateslanduseandgrowthscenariosfortheGreaterWestHoustonregion.Thestudywilllookat
streetnetworkinclusiveofthefreewaysandtollways;transitmodeslikecommuterrail,lightrail,busrapidtransit,localbus,vanpools,carpools,park&ridefacilities,etc.;intelligenttransportationsystems;pedestrianandbicycle
network;andothertransportationstrategies.TheStudywouldguidedevelopmentofshort,mediumandlong-
rangetransportationinvestmentsintheGreaterWestHoustonregionandencouragedevelopmenttobe
responsibleandsustainabletoimprovethequalityoflifeintheregion.ThisplanwillalsoalignwiththeCityof
Houston’sInnerLoopWest(Subregional)StudytoprovidecomprehensivemobilitysolutionsforWestHouston.
Energy Corridor Memorial
City
Westchase
L ITTLE YO R K
C LAY R O AD
B E L L A I R E
W E S T H E I M E R
E L D R I D G E
P A R K W A Y
G E S S N E R
WES TP ARK T OL
LR O AD
BARKER
RESERVO IR
ADDICKS
RESERVO IR
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H-GACCallforApplicantsforSubregionalPlanningStudies
ThisproposalisinresponsetotheHouston-GalvestonAreaCouncil(H-GAC)CallforProposalsseeking
applicantsfromlocalgovernmentsorothereligibleprojectsponsorsforSubregionalPlanningInitiative
studies.Thelocalsponsorsofthissubmittal(CityofHouston,EnergyCorridor,WestchaseandMemorial
Citymanagementdistricts)areeligiblegovernmentalentities.ThisproposalsuggestsaSteering
Committeeconsistingofmultiplepublicjurisdictionsandagencies,thethreemanagementdistrictsand
theWestHoustonAssociationrepresentingmanyoftheprivateStakeholdersintheSubregion.
Collectively,weintendtobringpublicagencies,privatedevelopers,communitiesandbusinesses
togetherinaparticipatoryplanningprocess,tomorecloselylinkregionalplansandinvestmentpriorities
withlocalplans,initiatives,andinvestments.
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ProjectNominationTableofContents
PartI–GeneralProjectInformation 5
PartII–ApplicationNarrativeandScoring 6
A.ProjectImpact 6• GoalsStatementandObjectives 6
• NeedandPurposeoftheStudy 7
• DesiredOutcomes 9
• IssuesandAreasofInterest 9
• ToolsandBestPractices 10
B. FulfillingProgramGoals 11
• TransportationAssets 11
o ImproveConnectivitywithSubregionalJurisdictions 11
o AccessibleandSafePedestrianandBicyclistEnvironment 14
o StrengthenAccessibilityofTransitandTransitConnectivity 16
H-GACRegionalTransitFrameworkStudy 17
Scenario2–MaximizeTransitAccess 18
Scenario3–MaximizeTransitModeShare 19
• EnvironmentallySensitiveAreasandGreenSpaces 20
AirQualityandModeShift 20
EnvironmentalAwareness 20
IntegrateGreenSpaceandPreserveNaturalResources 20
• QualityCommunitiesthatattractnewpeopleandbusinesses 21
PotentialtoPositivelyTransformtheSubregion 21
CommunityEngagementPlan 21
EfficientUseofExistingInfrastructure 22
PotentialforInvestmentandDevelopmentofMajorActivityCenters 23
C. AbilitytoImplement 24
D. Conclusion 26
PartIII:Attachments 27
A. LettersofSupportandProofofInterlocalCooperation 27
B. LocalFundingCashMatch 28
C. FurtherProjectJustification/AdditionalInformation 28
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TheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiative
TheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiativewillrespondtocurrentandfuturemobility
andqualityoflifeissuesintheGreaterWestHoustonarea.Ifnotaddressed,theseissueswillpresent
realchallengestothelong-termeconomicviabilityofactivitycentersandthequalityoflifeofthe
adjoiningneighborhoodsasexpandingpopulationandemploymentintheGreaterWestHouston
subregionisprojectedtoincreasedemandontheexistingtransportationnetworktounsustainable
levels.
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ProjectNomination
SubmittedtoH-GAConJanuary21,2011
PartI–GeneralProjectInformation
SponsoringAgencies; CityofHouston(COH),EnergyCorridorDistrict(ECD),WestchaseDistrict(WD)
andMemorialCityDistrict(MCD)
In-KindContributingStakeholder;WestHoustonAssociation(WHA)
ContactPersons;
• Mr.AmarMohite,TransportationAnalyst,CityofHoustonPlanning&DevelopmentDepartment,
611WalkerSuite600,Houston,Texas713-837-7950,[email protected]
• Mr.ClarkMartinson,GeneralManager,EnergyCorridorDistrict,14701St.Mary’sSuite290,
Houston,Texas77079,281-759-3800,[email protected]
• Ms.IrmaH.Sanchez,VicePresidentofProjects,WestchaseDistrict,10375RichmondAve.,Suite
1175,Houston,Texas77042-4163,713-780-9434,[email protected]
• Mr.PatWalters,ExecutiveDirector,MemorialCityDistrict,820Gessner,Suite1530,Houston,Texas
77024,713-984-8737,[email protected]
• Mr.RogerHord,President,WestHoustonAssociation,820Gessner,Suite1310,Houston,Texas
77024,713-461-9378,[email protected]
LeadSponsoringAgency:EnergyCorridorDistrict
NameofProposedSubregion:GreaterWestHouston
SpecificStudyLocationandProposedBoundaries: FM529tothenorth;Blalocktotheeast;Bellaireto
thesouthandSH99tothewest.
ProposedFundingContributions
• Studytotal:$500,000
• H-GACMatch:$400,000(80%)
• LocalMatch:$100,000(20%)
o CityofHouston:$40,000
o EnergyCorridorDistrict:$30,000
o WestchaseDistrict:$20,000
o MemorialCityDistrict:$10,000
• TxDOT3%:$15,000(additionalamounttobecontributedbyallthreemanagementdistricts)
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PartII:ApplicationNarrativeandScoring
5-mile–10-milemapofCommutingThresholdsfromMajorActivityCentersinGreaterWestHouston
A.ProjectImpact(20%)
GoalsStatement- ThegoaloftheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiativeistofacilitatea
comprehensivetransportationplanningprocessintheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalareaofthe
eight-countyH-GACTransportationManagementAreainordertoidentifyanddevelopviableprojects
fortheTransportationImprovementPlan(TIP)thatreflectthegoalsofthe2035RegionalTransportation
Plan(RTP)andtheneedsoftheGreaterWestHoustonSubregion.
• Developconsensusonthevisionandgrowthscenario(s)oftheGreaterWestHoustonRegion
• Proposegrowthprojectionsandalternativedevelopmentconcepts
• Meettravelrequirementsandimproveourqualityoflife
• Protectenvironmentallysensitiveareas&greenspaces
• Improvethequalityoflifeofexistingandfuturecommunities
• Developasustainabletransportationplantoguidetransportationinvestmentswithinthisregion
• Integraterecommendationsfromthesubregionalplanintothelocalandregionalplans
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• Proposebetterwaystoplanforfutureinfrastructureinvestments
• UpdateafeasibleandrealisticMajorThoroughfareandFreewayPlan
• Developalistofprojectsandmethodologytoprioritizeandupdatethelist
Objectives
• Todefine,characterizeandquantifytheregionsexistingandprojecteddemographics,development
patterns,transportationfacilities,servicesandusage
• Integrateprotectionofenvironmentallysensitiveareas&greenspaces,existinglandusesandfuture
developmentscenariosintothetransportationplanningprocess
• Toidentifyandassessbymagnitudeandmodeshare,themajortravelmarketsthatplayakeyrole
inimpactingtravelpatterns;
• Toevaluatetheabilityoftheexistingtransportationsystemtoefficientlyandeffectivelyserve
currentandprojectedtravelneeds
• ExaminethebenefitsandimpactsoftheproposedimprovementsidentifiedbythisStudyinthe
contextoftheregionaltransportationsystem.
• Evaluatealignment,refineandprioritizetheproposedtransportationimprovementsandmodal
alternatives
DistantmasterplannedcommunitieslikeBridgelandenjoygoodschoolsandrecreationalamenities
NeedandPurposeoftheStudy-TheH-GACregionlacksconsensusonhowtobesthandlefuture
growthintheGreaterWestHoustonSubregion.TheSubregionisfortunatetocontainattractivenatural
featuresandhighqualityschooldistrictsthathavehistoricallyattractedaffluentandworkforce
households.Developershaveenhancedtheattractivenessbycreatinganumberofmasterplannedcommunitiesthatincludeopenspaceandrecreationalamenitieswithintheirboundaries.Historically
thesedevelopmentshaveemergedbeforemajortransportationimprovementsweremade;thusthe
constructionorexpansionofUS290,IH10,US59andtheWestSamHoustonandtheWestpark
Tollwayshaveonlypartiallymitigatedwhatwerealreadyseriouscongestionandaccessibilityissues.
Upscaleresidentialsubdivisionsnowreachwellover30milesawayfromurbancorecommercialcenters
likeDowntownHouston,UptownHoustonandGreenwayPlaza.Toprovidemoreconvenient
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workplacesfortheseincreasinglydistantcommuters,suburbanbusinesscenterslikeMemorialCity,
Westchase,andtheEnergyCorridorhavedeveloped.Despiterecenttransportationinvestmentssuchas
thewideningoftheKatyFreeway,seriousandgrowinglevelsofcongestion,connectivity,and
accessibilityremaintravelingtoWestHouston’smoreperipheralemploymentdestinations.These
issuespresentrealchallengestotheeconomicviabilityofallthesecenters,whichwillstandtolose
marketsharetonewcentersthatwillspawnevenfurtheroutontheurbanfringe,intensifyingthese
conditions.Ifunaccountedfor,thispatternwillcreateevenmoretransportationchallengeswhile
existingonesremainunsolvedandmuchlandinexistingcenterssitsunderutilized.
TheFarm-to-Marketroadsand
ruralcountyroads,whichform
thebasisofGreaterWest
Houston’sstreetsystem,werenot
designedtohandlethevolume
andpatternsoftrafficthaturban
growthcontinuestobring.Safety
hasdecreasedforautomobile
driverswhilecongestionhasincreased.Manyofthefacilities
lackpedestrianandbicycle
accommodations.Evenexpanded
thoroughfaresinquicklygrowing
areassuffermassivecongestionat
bothtraditionalpeakandnon-
peaktimes.Thedegradationofairqualitythatresultsfromsuchahighincidenceofautomobiletravel,
plustheattendantcongestion,addsanotherhealthrisktotheSubregion’semployeesandresidents.
Lookingpastthecurrenteconomicslowdown,strongpopulationandemploymentgrowthisforecasted
tocontinueintheHoustonregion.Thisgrowth,asithasinthepast,willplacestressonourpublicinfrastructure,deliveryofservicesandthegeneralenvironment.Thissituationgeneratesunnecessary
andunsustainablecoststofiscalefficiencyandqualityoflife.TheGreaterWestHoustonSubregional
PlanningInitiativeProposalwilladdresstheneedfor:
• Betterfunctionalityofexistinginfrastructureduetocongestion
• Dealingwithcongestionandlackofaccessinresidentialareasandactivitycenters
• Addressingcommercialandemploymentgrowthinfurtheroutlyinglocations
• Preservingecologicallyvaluableopenspacesandproductiveagriculturallands
• Desirableincreaseddensityofinfillsitesespeciallyaroundtheactivityandtransitcenters
• Personalsafetyforbothdriversandnon-driversastrafficincreases
• Improvedairqualityforbetterpublichealth
• SoundplanninginGreaterWestHouston
• Strategictransportationinvestmentsandpolicies
• Encouragementofdevelopmentandstreetpatternsthatfosterwalkingandcyclingforshorttrips
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WestchaseDistrictvisionforthefutureofMeadowglenwithpedestrianamenities
DesiredOutcomes-TheStudywillevaluatehighway,tollway,transitandpedestrianandbicycle
infrastructureprojectsproposedbymultiplejurisdictionsandagenciesto:
• Developgoalsandobjectivesthroughthepublicandstakeholderengagementprocess
• Developpreferredsubregionalscenariostoguidetransportationinvestment
• Encouragemeasurestoincreasetransitridership
• Developimplementationstrategies
• Developalistofrecommendationsforintegrationintolocalandregionalplans
• Developaprioritizedlistofshortandlongrangeimprovements
• Promotequalitycommunitiesthatattractnewpeopleandbusinessestotheregionandpromote
economicsuccess
IssuesandAreasofInterest–Thethreemanagementdistrictsandlocalgovernmentscompetefor
limitedcapitalimprovementprojectsprovidedbyMETRO,TxDOT,HarrisCountyandtheCityof
Houston.Busservice,bicycleandpedestrianinfrastructure,drainageandroadwaycapitalimprovement
plansareoftenproposedtobenefitlocalcommunityinterestswithoutconcernforthelargerregion.
• Localandregionalbusserviceisnotadequatelymarketedtoattractnewpatrons
• Accessmanagementissuesthatcrossmulti-jurisdictionalboundariesaren’tcoordinated
• Intersectionsoutsideonejurisdiction’sboundariesarenotstudied
• Someneighborhoodsexperiencecutthroughtraffic
• Trailsplansdonotconnectandlackofintegratedplanningapproach
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EnergyCorridorDistrictLivableCentersPedestrianandBicycleFacilitiesPlan
B.FulfillingProgramGoals
“TheprimarygoaloftheSPIProgramistoenabletheHouston-Galvestonregionanditslocal
jurisdictionstocontinuetobesuccessfulinprotectingitseconomicsuccess,transportationassets,
environmentallysensitiveareas,greenspace,andqualitycommunitiesthatattractnewpeopleand
businessestotheregionbyimprovingcoordinationofregionalandlocalplanningefforts.”The
followingdescriptionsof“TransportationAssets”,“EnvironmentallySensitiveAreasandGreenSpaces”
and“QualityCommunitiesthatAttractNewPeopleandBusinessestotheRegionsandPromote
EconomicSuccess”areintendedtofulfillthegoalsoftheH-GACSPIProgramandthegoalsofthelocal
sponsorsdescribedinthe“ProjectImpact”sectionofthisproposal.
TransportationAssets(20%)
ImproveConnectivityWithSubregionalJurisdictions- Thestudywillleadtosolutionsforproviding
enhancedaccesstoactivitycenterworkplacesfromthedisparatecommunities,workforcehousing
subdivisionsandmultifamilycomplexeswithinthesubregion.Thestudywillidentifydeficienciesthat
existinthesubregion’sroadways,transitandpedestrianandbicycleinfrastructure.Itwillpropose
connectivitysolutionsthatcanbridgethemassivegapsbetweentransitroutes,neighborhoodstreets,
sidewalks,trailsandthedestinationsalongthoroughfaresandhighways.Theselocationscurrentlyrely
onasmallsetofoverburdenedfreewaysandthoroughfares,alongwithoccasionallocalresidential
streetcut-throughroutesthataremuchresentedbyimpactedresidents.Thestudywillidentifymore
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routeoptionstobepursuedbuildinguponplanningandimplementationworkthatisalreadybeingdone
withinthemanagementdistricts.TheStudywilllookforopportunitiestoprioritizeCityofHouston
Proposition1Projects.Proposition1projectswilladdressdrainageandstreetimprovements.Astudy
goalistoworkwiththeCitytogivehigherprioritytoprojects,whichbenefitbothdrainageandstreets.
SchematicPlanofOverpassesandMajorIntersections
• CoordinatewithCityofHouston
“Proposition1”Drainageand
TransportationProjectsPlans
• Lookattraditionalhighway,tollway
andmajorthoroughfareinvestment
• Applyaccessmanagementpractices
tomajorthoroughfarestoimprove
trafficflow
• Reducethenegativeimpactofcut-
throughtrafficinresidential
neighborhoods• Reducetrafficcongestionat
intersections
• Improvetrafficflowonthoroughfares
bysynchronizingsignals
• Identifynewstreetsforconnectivity,
streetwideningandoverlayprojects
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ApproximateMilesofThoroughfareinsidetheStudyArea(R.O.Wonly)
• MajorThoroughfareSufficientWidth–320miles
• MajorThoroughfaretobeWidened–46miles
• MajorThoroughfaretobeAcquired–29miles
• MajorCollectorSufficientWidth–20miles
• MajorCollectortobeWidened–4miles
• MajorCollectortobeAcquired–0miles• Freeway/ExpresswaySufficientWidth–57miles
• Freeway/ExpresswaytobeWidened-5miles
• Freeway/ExpresswaytobeAcquired-6miles
#ofThoroughfare/Thoroughfareintersections(includesfreewaysandmajorcollectors)–304
#ofProposedThoroughfare/Thoroughfareintersections(includesfreewaysandmajorcollectors)–10
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GreaterWestHoustonBikeLanes,BikeRoutesandShared-UseTrailsMap
AccessibleandSafePedestrianandBicyclistEnvironment–TheSubregionprovidesresidential
locationsandjobopportunitiesforhighlyeducatedandwellpaidemployeeswhooftenseekalifestyle
thatincludescyclingandwalkingforrecreation,
errandsandcommuting.Italsooffersmore
moderatelypricedresidentialareasthatprovide
“workforce”housingforserviceandblue-collar
employeeswhocommutetothemanywork
centersintheSubregion.Manyofthese
residentscannotaffordthecostsassociatedwith
providingaprivateautomobileforeachfamily
memberofdrivingagesorelyingonnon-
motorizedmodesoftransport.Mostresidents
andemployeeswhodesiretotravelonfootorbicycletoaccessjobs,schools,orretailservices
mustfollowunsaferoutesduetoalackof
adequatefacilitiesandroadwaydesignsthat
forceconflictswithmotorvehiclesand/orunnecessarilycircuitouspaths.Transitservice,apartfrom
longdistancepark-and-ridebustocentralHouston,isnotasextensiveasneededforthegrowingregion.
Forthosewhoforfinancialorotherreasonscannottravelbycar,theymustplacethemselvesin
potentiallyunsafeconditionstomakeevenneighborhoodtrips.
I N T E R S TA T E 1 0
G R A N D
P A R K W A Y
S T A T E
H I G H W A Y
6
N .
K I R K W O O D
R D .
G E O R G E B U S HP A R K / B A R K E RR E S E R V O I R
W E S T H E I M E R R D .
F R E E M A N R D .
H E M P S T E A D R D .
B E A R C R E E KP A R K / A D D I C K S
R E S E R V O I R
F M 1 0 9 3
E L D R I D G E
R D .
L I V A B L E
C E N T E R
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ExistingEldridgeParkwayCrossSection
Inresponsetotheseconcerns,theStudywillexaminestreetdesignwhichcurrentlycreatesamajor
safetyriskandbarrierforpedestrian/bicyclemobilityinmostofthearea.Asanexample,gapsin
sidewalksandcrosswalksaccessinglocaldestinationsandtransitserviceswillbeidentifiedandremedies
suggested.Thethreemanagementdistricts,theWestHoustonAssociation,TxDOT,METRO,Harris
CountyandtheCityofHoustonhaveindependentlydealtwiththeneedforsaferpedestrianandbicycle
infrastructure.TheStudywillidentifywaysthatpartnershipsbetweenmultijurisdictionsmayimprove
thesituationforpedestriansandcyclists.
TheCityandtheothersponsorshavetremendousexperiencewith
pedestrianandbicycleinitiatives.TheCity’sbicycleprogramisone
ofthemostextensiveinthenation.TheEnergyCorridorDistrictadopteditsBicycleMasterPlanin2010andwiththeNationalPark
ServiceRivers,TrailsandConservationAssistanceProgram,they
conductedaplanningprocesswithin130,000acresfromJanuary
2008toDecember2010.Asaresult,theWestHoustonTrails
MasterPlanhasbeenfinalizedandtheCityofHouston,Harris
CountyandtheEnergyCorridorDistrictareimplementingthefirst
trailsprojectsidentifiedintheplan.
TheWestchaseDistrictFTAPedestrian-TransitAccess&
StreetscapePlanningProcesswasconductedin2010.Aspartof
theplan,theWestchaseDistrictproposesa1.62-miletrailthatwill
runalongthebanksoftheHarrisCountyFloodControldrainage
ditch,justnorthofRichmondAvenue,betweenWilcrestand
Rogerdale.Thistrail,knownasLibraryLoopTrail,willbethefirstleginaplannedseriesoftrails
throughoutWestchaseDistrictthatwillultimatelyconnecttheTerryHersheyTrailtoArtStoreyPark.
TheWestchaseDistrictpartneredwiththeWestchaseCommunityAssociationIItohelpplantheroutes.
TheWestHoustonAssociationTrailsConceptexpandsbeyondtheCityandthethreemanagement
districtstotheKatyPrairiealongstreamsandutilityeasementsconnectingmasterplannedcommunities
Energy Corridor District Bicycle Master Plan
Promoting programs that encourage
and support bicycling.
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andKaty,Texas.RegionalconnectivityofhikeandbiketrailsisapriorityandwillconnectTerryHershey
Park’sshared-usepathsandtheCity’ssidewalksandon-streetbikelanesandbikeroutestooutlying
destinationsacrossthe1,000squaremileGreaterWestHoustonSubregion.
StrengthenAccessibilitytoTransitandTransitConnectivity- Developmentofappropriatetransitserviceandfacilitieswillbeamajorfocusofthiseffort.Akeyingredientincreatingaholisticallyrobust
transportationsysteminWestHoustonwillbeimplementingattractivetransitservicetoemployment
centersandotherdestinationsviaexisting
andnewtransportationcorridors–theKaty
FreewayHOTlanes,theWestparkTollway
corridor,andtheexistingPark-and-Rideand
TransitCentersforexample.TxDOT,HCTRA
andMETROarecurrentlyworkingwithall
fourlocalsponsors.Itisvitalforthe
ongoingeconomichealthofexistingcenters
thatemployeesandcustomershaveawider
rangeofoptionsforaccessingtheseplaces
andtheStudywillbringallpartiestogether
toagreeonavisioncomplementingthe
transitinvestmentalreadyinplaceand
plannedforthefuture.
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GreaterWestHoustonTransitConcept
H-GACRegionalTransitFrameworkStudy
TheStudywillcontinuetheanalysisofthetransitscenariosproposedintheH-GACRegionalFramework
PlanastheyapplytotheWestHoustonarea.Coordinationwithmasterplannedcommunitiessuchas
Bridgeland,FairfieldandNewlandCommunitiesandrural,suburbanandurbantransitproviderswill
identifywaysthatdevelopmentofcommercial,industrialandresidentialprojectscanmoreefficiently
integratewithpublictransitoptionstoreducetripsandvehiclemilestraveled.ThroughtheRegional
TransitFrameworkStudyplanningprocess,fourregionaltransitscenarioshavebeendevelopedto
providetheHouston-Galvestonareawithalternativeconceptsforaddressingtheregion'stransitneedsin2040.TheStudywillincludeMemorialCity,Westchase,EnergyCorridorandotherWestHouston
businessdistrictsinrelationtothescenarioslistedintheH-GACRegionalTransitFrameworkStudy.The
transitscenarioswouldbeappliedtoexistingdevelopmentandfuturegrowthintheWestHoustonarea
eastoftheBrazosRiverbetweenUS290andUS59.ThescenarioswillneedtoincludeH-GAC’sgrowth
assumptionsthatwerepartoftheRegionalFrameworkStudyandcoordinationwithH-GAC,METRO,
FortBendTransit,ColoradoValleyTransit,BrazosValleyTransitandothersidentifiedintheRegional
FrameworkStudy.Thetwomostlikelyscenariosofferedaredescribedbelow.
Westheimer
Bellaire
SH6
Quick
Line
Westheimer Quick Line
Gessner
Quick
Line
Bellaire Quick Line
Energy Corridor
MemorialCity
UptownHouston
Fulshear
FM529
Katy
Waller
10/8Circulator
Westchase
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H-GACRegionalTransitFrameworkStudyScenario2
MAXIMIZETRANSITACCESS
Incorporatesmanyofthecurrentlyplannedand
fundedtransitinvestmentsintheregion,butit
alsoincludesa25%increase(basedoncost)in
plannedtransitinvestments.Newtransit
improvementsfocusonextendingtransitaccessto
thegreatestnumberofpeopleintheregion.This
islargelyaccomplishedbyextendingbusserviceinlargesuburbanandurbanareasandcommunity
transitservices(e.g.call-a-van)insmallsuburban
andruralareas.Inaddition,thisistheonly
scenariothatdoesnotincludepeakperiodhigh
capacitytransitserviceslikecommuterrail.Instead,peakperiodcommuterservicesareenvisioned
throughanexpandedpark-and-ridebusnetworkandareaswithhighdemandthroughouttheday,are
servedthroughalldayhighcapacitytransitservicessuchaslightrailorbusrapidtransit.
Scenar io 2 provides a more robust fixed route bus and premium bus network in the H-GAC region. A greater numbe r 0 '
passenger facilit ies were also added to accommodate the expanded bus network. This scenario focuses on expanding the
region's transit service primarily through premium bus services, to provide direct access to as many people in the region as
possible. As a result, there is a greater focus on bus operations and expanded demand response service.
Downtown Houston Inset
Scenar io 2
Transit Service
Legend
HCT All Day
- Arteria l BRT
- Express Bus
Local Bus Coverage "
12 a- == -==M H. . w
"/nclvdes increased demand response service in areas outside of fhe fixed roule bus nelwork
oDO DO DO 0 0 0 0 0 0 FACT SHEET FOUR - 2040 TRANSI T SCE NARI OS 00000 DO 0 0 0 0 2 0I
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H-GACRegionalTransitFrameworkStudyScenario3
MAXIMIZETRANSITMODESHARE
Includesa25%increase(basedoncost)in
plannedtransitinvestments.However,Scenario
3focusesmoreonprovidingneworexpanded
transitservices,includinghighcapacitytransitserviceslikecommuterrailorlightrailinthe
region'sprojectedhighestdemandcorridors.
Otherservicesincludemodestlyexpandingbus
serviceinlargesuburbanandurbanareas,
increasingcommunitytransitservices(e.g.call-a-
van)insmallsuburbanandruralareas,and
expandingtheregion'svanpoolprogram.
Scenario 3 includes expanded transit services throughout the region; however, transit investments would be
focused in high demand corridors to maximize regional transit mode share. This scenario would include local
area circulation with feeder services connecting population and employment centers with transit services
operating in the region's high demand corridors. In addition, Scenario 3 would provide:
• Additional high capacity transit services (Peak and All Day) and a more concentrated fixed route bus
and express bus network than the two previous scenarios
• Additional passenger facilities such as park-and-rides to establish multi-modal transit access points
throughout the region
Downtown Houston Inset
Scenario 3
Transl! Service
Legend
o Her Peak Slops
_ HCTPeak
Her -"II Day_MerialBR'T
- .Express Bus
Local8Js Coverage-
'/ncfucfes Increased demand response service If1 areas outside of the fixed route bus network
0000000000000 FACT SHEET FOUR - 2040 TRANSiT SCENARiOS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
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EnvironmentallySensitiveAreasandGreenSpaces(20%)
AirQuality- Creatingimprovednon-
automobileoptionsandreducingtraffic
congestioninthoroughfareandhighway
corridorsinGreaterWestHoustonwillhaveadirectpositiveimpactonregionalair
quality.
ModeShift-Improvingconnectivityand
traveloptions,includingmodechoices,to
andwithinexistingcentersanddestination
areaswillenablethoseplacestodevelop
moredenselyandefficientlyminimizing
impactstomoresensitiveareas.
EnvironmentalAwareness-Also,
developmentofnewmulti-usetrailsystems
thatconnecttoexistingfacilitiescanincrease
awarenessofnaturalareas,provideoutdoor
recreationalenjoymentofbayous,prairies
andparksandhelppromoteopenspaceand
riparianpreservation.
IntegrateGreenSpaceandPreserveNatural
Resources-Thepreservationofnatural
resourcesasregionalamenitiesinthe
GreaterWestHoustonSubregionandthe
conservationofopenspacesmaybecostly.
However,developerscanpotentially
increasethevalueoftheirdevelopment
whenproperfloodmitigation,drainageand
theprotectionofgreeninfrastructureare
sensitivelyincorporatedintotheirland
development.Integrationofgreenspaceand
thepreservationofnaturalresources
provideasignificanteconomicbenefitand
contributetothesustainabilityofour
region’senvironment.
Theidentificationanddevelopmentof
regionalconservationareasandopenspaces
inGreaterWestHoustonisprogressingwith
severalgovernmentsandorganizationsworkingtomakeindividualprojectsarealitylongbeforemid-
century.TheStudywillprovideavaluablechancefordiverseintereststomeet,identifycommonneeds
andagreeonwaystointegrategreenspaceandpreservenaturalresourcesinlanddevelopmentand
transportationprojects.
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QualityCommunitiesThatAttractNewPeopleAndBusinessestotheRegionandPromoteEconomic
Success(20%)
PotentialtoPositivelyTransformtheGreaterWestHoustonSubregion-Improvingthelivabilityof
GreaterWestHoustonbyenhancingaccesstoitsmajoremploymentcentersandprotectingits
environmentalassetshasthepotentialtomakeitaglobalchoiceofbusinessandimprovethelivability
oftheentireH-GACregion.
CommunityEngagementPlan–ASteeringCommittee
comprisedofthelocalsponsors,localjurisdictions,
stakeholderagenciesandgroupswillbecreatedto
overseeandprovideinputthroughouttheprocess.A
combinationofpublicmeetings,workshops,design
charrettes,focusgroupmeetingsandpersonal
interviewswillbeheldtogatherpublicinputanduser
groupswillbeconsultedtotesttheideas.Examplesof
thediversegroupstobeincludedcanbeseenbelow.A
moredetailedplanwillbedeterminedatthebeginning
ofthestudyafterconsultantselection.
SteeringCommittee
• TheEnergyCorridor,WestchaseandMemorialCityManagementDistricts
• WestHoustonAssociation
• TheCityofHouston
• OtherCitiesandCounties
• H-GAC,METRO,TxDOTandHCTRA
• ElectedOfficials
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Stakeholders
• ActivityCenterCompanies(i.e.Fortune500Companies)
• MasterPlannedCommunitiesandLandDevelopers
• SuperneighborhoodsandCivicClubsrepresentingresidents/propertyowners
• BusinessOwners
• SuperNeighborhoods
UserGroups
• Freeway,tollwayandmajorthoroughfareusers
• Transitusers
• Ped-bikecommunity
• EnvironmentalInterests
• ChambersofCommerce
• EconomicDevelopmentCouncils
• MunicipalUtilityDistricts
EfficientUseofExistingInfrastructure- Theplanningprocesswilllookcloselyatwaysof
enhancingormodifyingexistingandalready
plannedtransportationinfrastructureto
addressthegapsanddeficienciesthatnow
exist.Theintegrationoftransitserviceand
facilitiesintoexistingroadwaynetworkswillbe
amajorfocus.Pedestrianandbicycleplanswill
havetheadvantageofleveragingexistingtrail
systemsbuiltbybothpublicagenciesand
privatecommunities.TheStudywill
incorporateLivableCentersandContextSensitiveSolutionsmethodsthatareintended
tocreatequalitycommunitiesthatattractnew
peopleandbusinessestotheregionand
promoteeconomicsuccess.
LivableCentersarewalkable,mixed-useplacesthatprovidemultimodaltransportationoptions,improve
environmentalqualityandpromoteeconomicdevelopment.Livablecommunitiesallowshorttripstobe
madeonfootorbyothernon-motorizedmodes.Theyarealsoconducivetotransit.Theseattributes
benefittheregionbytakingtripsandturningmovementsoffthoroughfares,freeingthemforthelonger
tripstheyareintendedfor.
ContextSensitiveSolutions(CSS)isacollaborativeinterdisciplinaryapproachthatinvolvesstakeholders
todevelopatransportationfacilitythatmaintainssafetyandmobility,fitsitsphysicalsettingand
preservesscenic,aesthetic,historicandenvironmentalresourcesconsideringthetotalcontextwithin
whichatransportationimprovementwillexist.AvarietyofContextSensitiveSolutionsareproposedto
dealwithtrafficcongestionissuescreatingmorelivablecommunities.Shortandlongtermstreetand
trafficimprovementswouldbeprioritizedfordifferentjurisdictionsandagencies’CapitalImprovement
Plans
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PotentialforInvestmentandDevelopmentinMajorActivityCenters-Ashort-termfive-yearhorizon
wouldconsidertrafficgeneratedbyexistingdevelopmentandtheimpactofadditionalvehicletraffic
generatedbynewbusinessesopeningincurrentlyvacantspace.Longer-rangeprojectswouldanticipate
futuredevelopmentandwouldbesubmittedbytheCityforinclusioninH-GAC’s30-yearRegional
TransportationPlan.
Thestatisticalsnapshotbelowillustratesthepotentialforinvestmentanddevelopmentintheoval
shapeddemographicareashownabove.Overthreequartersofamillionjobsintheareaareequivalent
to81percentofthearea’slaborforce.Withthoughtfulandeffectivesub-regionalplanning,future
populationandjobgrowthmightbebettermatchedtoprovideafuturewithshorterworktripsas
personsworkingintheareacanliveclosetojobsandwillbeabletochooseavarietyoftransportation
modes.
Area,sq.mi. 1,172Population 1,556,889
Households 563,813
LaborForce 900,000
Jobs 849,660
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IflivingandworkinginWestHouston,withitsmajorjobcenters,requiresonetosufferfrustrating
congestion,unsafetravel,decliningairquality,andalackoftransportationchoice,itwillreflectvery
badlyontheentireregion.Improvingthelivabilityofthissubregion,whichhassomuchattractiveness
otherwise,willmakeitadesirablelocationofchoiceforbusiness,individualsandfamiliesofnational
andevenglobalsignificance.
D. AbilitytoImplement(20%)
Allthreemanagementdistrictsare
governmentalentitiesthatcanreceive
grants,provideservicesefficientlyand
representtheirconstituents.TheWest
HoustonAssociation’sstakeholdersadd
invaluableinsighttothefuturegrowthof
theareareflectingtheactualdeveloper
interestsinGreaterWestHouston.The
sponsoringagencieshaveproventheir
abilitiestocooperativelyworkwiththeCityofHouston,TxDOT,HarrisCounty,and
METROonpreviousstudiesandprojects
conductingmasterplansandbuilding
transportationinfrastructure.Examples
include:
CityofHouston
• TheCapitalImprovementPlanfortheCity’sPublicWorks&EngineeringDepartmentisthelargestof
anymunicipaljurisdictionintheregion
• Engineers,inspectorsandroadcrewsareonduty24/7tokeeptheCityfunctioning
• TheRebuildHoustonProposition1drainageandinfrastructureprogramhasthesupportofcitizensandbusinessesintheGreaterWestHoustonSubregion
• CoordinationwiththeCityofHouston’sInnerLoopWest(Subregional)Studywillassureamore
comprehensiveapproachtomobilitysolutionsforWestHouston
EnergyCorridorDistrict
• Planning,projectmanagementandimplementationoftransportationenhancementswithTxDOTfor
IH10KatyFreewayreconstruction
• Planningandimplementationofnew75EnergyCorridorbusservicewithMETRO
• Planning,engineering,projectmanagementandimplementationforSafeSidewalks,intersection
reconstruction,trafficsignaltimingandaccessmanagement
• CoordinationwithHarrisCountyonhike/biketrailplanningandimplementation
MemorialCityRedevelopmentAuthorityandMemorialCityDistrict
• Planning,projectmanagementandimplementationofGessnerandBunkerHillRoadReconstruction
Projectsandintersectionimprovements
WestchaseDistrictplanningandimplementationofshuttletransitservice
• Planning,projectmanagementandimplementationofWestparkTollRoadandWestSamHouston
TollRoadprojects
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• Planning,projectmanagementandimplementationoftheWestheimerCorridorAccess
ManagementImprovements
• CoordinationwithHCFCD,HarrisCounty,andareapropertyownersforthedevelopmentofahike
andbiketrailsystem
• CoordinationwiththeCityofHoustonandTXDOTontheupgradingofnon-signalizedintersections
andenhancementoftrafficsignaltiming
• CoordinationwiththeCityofHoustonandareapropertyownersontheplanningand
implementationofRogerdalereconstruction
TheStudywillconsiderurban,suburbanand
ruraltransitplanningfortheH-GACregion
andshared-usetrailsforrecreationand
transportationtripsaswellastraditional
highway,tollroadandmajorthoroughfare
planning.Previousstudiesthatwillbe
appliedinclude:
• H-GACPlans
o WallerLivableCentersStudy
o EnergyCorridorLivableCenters
Study
o SH6AccessManagementstudies
o 1960AccessManagementStudy
o WestheimerAccessManagementStudy
o RegionalTransitFrameworkStudy
o 2035RegionalTransportationPlan
o 2010-2013TIP
• AgencyPlanso TxDOTsubmittalstoH-GACRTPandTIP
o HarrisCountyTollRoadAuthority
o CityofHoustonCIPandMajorThoroughfarePlan
o METRO
o ColoradoValleyTransitAuthority
o FortBendTransit
o HarrisCountyTransit
Theplanningprocesswilllookcloselyatwaysofenhancingormodifyingexistingandalreadyplanned
transportationinfrastructuretoaddressthegapsanddeficienciesthatnowexist.Theintegrationof
transitserviceandfacilitiesintoexistingroadwaynetworkswillbeamajorfocus.Pedestrianandbicycle
planswillhavetheadvantageofleveragingexistingtrailsystemsbuiltbybothpublicagenciesand
privatemasterplannedcommunities.
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Conclusion
Beforespendingscarcetransportationfundsonnewroadwayprojects,theGreaterWestHouston
regionwillbenefitfromdevelopingconsensusonitsvisionthatissustainabletoensurelong-term
economiccompetitivenessandimprovingthequalityoflifewithinthisregion.Thegoalsandobjectivedevelopedthroughthisprocesswouldprioritizeandguideshort,mediumandlong-rangetransportation
investmentinthisregion.
TheGreaterWestHoustonSubregionalPlanningInitiativewilltakeamultimodal,systemwideand
integratedplanningapproachindevelopingthesubregionalmobilityplan.Itwillalsoconsiderscenarios
forcommuterrail,lightrail,busrapidtransit,localbus,vanpoolsandcarpoolsidentifiedinH-GAC’s
RegionalTransitFrameworkPlan.Inaddition,theWHATrailsPlan(KerryGilbert),ECDWestHouston
TrailsMasterPlan(withtheNationalParkService),WDTrailsPlan(SWAGroup)andtheMCDTrailsPlan
(LAN)willbeconsolidatedandgapsidentifiedforinclusionintheH-GACTIPandtheupdatesoftheCity
ofHoustonandH-GACPedestrian/BicycleMasterPlans.
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PARTIII:Attachments
A.LettersofSupportandProofofInterlocalCooperation
LocalFundingCashMatchandInterlocalCooperation
LetterssignedbytheauthorizedrepresentativesfortheLeadandSupportingAgenciesareattached
documentingtheirfinalfundingamountanddetailsoftheirstaffsupport,personnel,levelof
commitmentandtimecommitment.Eachagencyalsoconfirmsthattheyhavereachedconsensusand
areonboardwiththesubmittalandtheirlevelofparticipation.
SupportingAgencies
• Mr.DavidW.Hightower,PresidentEnergyCorridorDistrict(LeadAgency)
• Ms.MarleneGafrick,DirectorCityofHoustonPlanning&DevelopmentDepartment(Primary
ownerofstreetsandsidewalksinthestudyarea)
• Mr.BenGillis,PresidentMemorialCityDistrict
• WestchaseDistrict
• Mr.RogerH.Hord,President&CEOWestHoustonAssociation
OtherLettersattached
• USCongressRepresentativeJohnCulberson(TX7)
• StateRepresentativeJimMurphy(Dist133)
• Mr.DelvinL.Dennis,P.E.DistrictEngineerTxDOTHoustonDistrict
• Ms.KimberlySlaughter,SeniorVicePresidentServiceDesign&Development,METRO
• Mr.OliverPennington,CityofHoustonCouncilMember,DistrictG
• Ms.BrendaStardig,CityofHoustonCouncilMember,DistrictA
• Mr.StephenCostello,CityofHoustonCouncilMember,At-LargePosition1• Mr.LanceLaCour,President/CEO,KatyAreaEconomicDevelopmentCouncil
• Ms.JeannieBollinger,President&CEO,HoustonWestChamberofCommerce
• Ms.MaryEvans,President,Cy-FairHoustonChamberofCommerce
• Mr.ToddCaliva,FACHE,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,WestHoustonMedicalCenter
• Mr.BenCrocker,President,MemorialSuperNeighborhood#16
• Ms.RobinFoster,Secretary,MemorialSuperNeighborhood#16
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B.LocalFundingCashMatch
ThelettersconfirmingthelocalmatcharefromtheCityofHoustoncommitting$40,000,theEnergy
CorridorDistrictcommitting$30,000,WestchaseDistrictcommitting$20,000andMemorialCityDistrict
committing$10,000.Inaddition,eachdistrictwillpaytheirshareofthe$15,000TxDOTadministration.
Allsponsorsareinagreementonthestudyareaandscopeoftheprojectandwillcommittheparticipationofexpertiseontheirstaffstoparticipateintheprocess.
C.FurtherProjectJustification/AdditionalInformation
Full-pagemaps
• CityofHoustonBikewayNetworkMapwithManagementDistricts’Boundaries
• EnergyCorridorDistrictandGreaterEnergyCorridorBoundaryMap
• WestchaseDistrictBoundaryMaponAerialPhoto
• MemorialCityDistrictBoundaryMap
• GWHSPIDemographicsAnalysisAreaMap
• EnergyCorridor10-MileRadiusDemographicsReport
• WHAGreaterWestHoustonTransitConcept
• H-GAC2040RegionalTransitFrameworkStudyScenarios
• WestchaseWestHoustonTransitPlan
• ECDTransitConcept
• METROEnergyCorridorTransitMap
• EnergyCorridorDistrictTrafficImpactAnalysisStudyArea
• Memorial/EldridgeIntersectionProposalMap(KlotzEngineers)
• ECDLivableCenterstrailsmap
• WestHoustonTrailsMasterPlanmap
• ECDPatterson/EldridgeSharedUseTrailPlan
• ECDBicycleMasterPlanMapandListofProjects• WestchaseDistrictHike&BikeTrailPlan
• EnergyCorridorDistrictRegionalAccessCIPMap