1. Fort Worth to Houston Corridor Expressway Concept
Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you this morning. I am going to share with you what the B/CS MPO is, what we do, and how you can participate.
Regional Transportation Planning Committee
August 29, 2016
Daniel Rudge
MPO Executive Director

2. Why an Expressway Concept?
Provide improved connectivity between the Ports of Houston, raw materials from Brazoria County and the major railheads in Fort Worth
Alliance Facility north of Fort Worth is essentially an inland port
Two existing routes (I-45 and SH6) are problematic for freight movement
Truck freight movement to Fort Worth experiences significant delays around Dallas and Houston
SH6 does not meet freeway standards for its entire length and has at-grade rail crossings

3. Why an Expressway Concept?
Truck freight movement from ports and Brazoria County to Fort Worth currently routes through Downtown Houston and Downtown Dallas
Using I-45 adds approximately two hours of delay
Using SH6 adds over two hours of delay
Population in the Texas Triangle is expected to double in next 25 years
Truck freight traffic expected to more than double by 2040

4. Why an Expressway Concept?
Existing Interstate options have limited ability to expand to handle projected traffic growth
While some capacity expansion may be possible, truck freight movement is expected to see a significant increase in delay
Some sections of existing Interstate are hampered by 1950’s design
Substandard on & off ramp lengths
Insufficient vertical clearances under bridges
Substandard horizontal sight distances

5. The Expressway Concept
Develop a third alternative for moving both people and goods between the Houston area and the western Metroplex
Maximize existing corridors that have ability to expand
Connect areas of Texas that are currently underserved using the existing Interstate/Freeway system
Routing needs to address growth in the Texas Triangle and current options are developed along the Triangle “edges”

6. This slide graphically shows the 3 corridors our staff has identified as possible coordination opportunities between our regions, TxDOT and MPOs in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Bryan / College Station. In addition, we’ve identified the IH-14 corridor already identified by TxDOT connecting West Texas to Killeen-Temple and the IH-45 corridor.

7. Proposed Alignment Fort Worth to Cleburne Cleburne to Waco
Existing Facility: Chisolm Trail Parkway (Toll)
Cleburne to Waco
Extension of Chisolm Trail Parkway
Waco to Bryan/College Station
Waco area: Loop 340 or new SH 6 alignment
Hearne/Calvert: Bypass on new alignment
Bryan/College Station: Follow SH 6
Bryan/College Station to Hempstead
Follow SH 6 alignment
Hempstead to Gulf
SH 36 A corridor (other routes possible)

8. Moving Forward
Create partnership with the four MPOs impacted by the proposed expressway
Bryan College Station MPO (BVCOG?)
Waco MPO (HOTCOG?)
Houston-Galveston MPO (H-GAC)
Dallas-Fort Worth MPO (NCTCOG)
Collaboration among the MPO Directors to develop concept
Serve as information clearinghouse for:
Communities affected by the Expressway
Agencies that serve these communities
TxDOT

9. Next Steps Affirm Bryan/College Station MPO support Conceptual design
Approve Executive Director to participate in the collaboration provided BVCOG is full partner
Determine if BVCOG agrees
Conceptual design
Discuss corridor financing
Future discussions with rural communities and other interested parties
Finalize conceptual corridor
Work closely with TxDOT

10. Any Questions or Comments?
Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you this morning. I am going to share with you what the B/CS MPO is, what we do, and how you can participate.
Regional Transportation Planning Committee
August 29, 2016