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 PhasesPhase I Feasibility Study

Completed in June 2003Phase 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 alternativeEstimated 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 District1701 S. Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9907Phone: 361-808-2378

www.harborbridgeproject.com