Texas Department of Transportation

Corpus Christi District

Harbor Bridge Project

U.S. 181 (Harbor Bridge)/SH 286 (Crosstown Expressway)

Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings

October 22-23, 2007

Welcome

Victor Vourcos, P.E.

Harbor Bridge Project Manager

Texas Department of Transportation

Corpus Christi District Office

Today’s Agenda

• Review the extended Harbor Bridge project and study limits

• Review status of Harbor Bridge project

• Discuss alternative alignments with preliminary right-of-way footprints

• Discuss alternatives evaluation matrix

• Discuss next steps in the project

Extended Harbor Bridge Project and Study Limits

Extension of Harbor Bridge Project and Study Limits

FHWA Decision in late 2006

• FHWA directed TxDOT to extend limits of project to include improvements on SH 286 (Crosstown Expressway) south to South Padre Island Dr (SPID)

• Extension includes improvements on I-37 from Staples Street to Shoreline Blvd.

• Extended limits allow for consideration of tolling strategies on SH 286 south to SH 358 (SPID)

Extension of Harbor Bridge Project and Study Limits

• Project Construction Limits – Area where construction would occur and may include additional right of way

• Study Limits – Area that may be indirectly affected by the project; no construction would occur and no right-of-way would be acquired.

Revised Project and Study Limits

Harbor Bridge ProjectStatus

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Summary of Project Phases

Phase I Feasibility Study Completed in June 2003

Phase II Schematic and Environmental Documentation

Current phase for the Harbor Bridgeshould be completed in 2009

Phase III Right-of-way map preparation and ROW acquisition for the preferred alternative

Estimated completion: 2012

Phase IV Secure funding and construct project

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Environmental Documentation

• Revised Notice of Intent published in Federal (3/20/07) and Texas (4/6/07) Registers

• Revised socio-economic environment draft section for extended limits

• Submitted draft Historic Resources Survey Report for original project limits and revised report for extended project limits

• Coordinated with the City of Corpus Christi concerning project effects on parks and other City facilities

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Environmental Documentation (cont.)

• Revised environmental constraint maps to include extended project limits

• Completed socioeconomic analysis for environmental justice issues

• Completed some baseline chapters of Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Environmental Documentation (cont.)

• Need and Purpose revised to address new project and study limits

– Identifies need for SH 286 Roadway Improvements

– Addresses consideration of tolling options including managed lanes for SH 286 and US 181 (Harbor Bridge)

– Addresses economic development

– Considers no-build option

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Public Involvement Activities• CAC meetings (Corpus Christi and Portland) Mar 2006

• Newsletter #2 Apr 2006

• Public Meeting Apr 2006

• Meetings with neighborhood groups adjacent to

SH 286 (Crosstown Expressway):

– April 24, 2007 – Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church

– April 25, 2007 – Boys and Girls Club

• Newsletter #3 May 2007

• Agency and public scoping meetings May 2007

• CAC meetings (Corpus Christi and Portland) Oct 2007

Harbor Bridge Project Status

Schematic Development

• Established alternative alignments within red and orange corridors: north, south, east

• Developed typical cross-sections to accommodate future travel demand (US 181 (Harbor Bridge), SH 286, I-37)

• Developed preliminary right-of-way footprints– allows for determination of displacements, relocations and effects on other resources

Project Schedule

• Complete Revised Need and Purpose – Fall 2007

• Revise schematics for new project limits – Fall 2007

• Hold CAC meeting – Fall 2007

• Hold public meeting – Spring 2008

• Complete draft EIS – Fall 2008

• Hold Public Hearing – 2009

• Complete final EIS/Record of Decision – 2009

• Acquire right-of way – 2009 – 2012

• Construction – Depends on availability of funding

Alignment Alternatives and Preliminary Right-of-Way

Footprints

Development of Alternative Alignments

• Project limits extended south and east

• Project divided into segments: north, south and east based on two of the original corridors.

• Multiple alternatives developed for the south and east areas in addition to the previously identified red and orange corridor locations

• Developed typical cross-sections to accommodate future travel demand (US 181-Harbor Bridge, SH 286, I-37)

• Potential right-of-way footprints identified

Development of Alternative Alignments

Break for review of schematics

• Proposed access points

• Potential right-of-way impacts

• Proposed typical roadway cross-sections

Alternatives Evaluation

Alternatives Evaluation

Why a Matrix?

• Allow comparison of alternatives

• Look at effects of alternatives on environmental/socioeconomic issues

• Quantify potential effects

• Compare engineering issues associated with alternatives

Next Steps in the Project

Next Steps

Public Involvement Activities

• Additional meetings of Citizens’ Advisory Committees in 2008 and 2009

• Public Meeting in Spring 2008

• Newsletters

• Website with continuously updated information

• Neighborhood meetings as requested

• Publish draft EIS for public review in Fall 2008

• Public Hearing in 2009

Next Steps

Value Engineering Workshop

• Allows TxDOT/consultants not associated with project to review proposed Harbor Bridge Project

• Project will be reviewed to determine feasibility and areas where resources can be used most efficiently

• To be held in late 2007/early 2008

Public Meeting

• Location

• Information to be covered

• Your ideas?

Contact information

Victor Vourcos, P.E.

TxDOT Project Manager

TxDOT Corpus Christi District

1701 S. Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9907

Phone: 361-808-2378

www.harborbridgeproject.com