History
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January 9, 2002
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Notice of Intent (NOI) from FHWA, TxDOT,
METRO & H-GAC partner to conduct North-
Hardy Planning Studies and Environmental
Impact Statement
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May 6, 2002
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Technical work sessions with consultant,
METRO, TxDOT and H-GAC
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June 2002
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Public review process with stakeholders from
six North-Hardy segments and three general
public meetings, culminating with the
Stakeholder Advisory Committee (See exhibit
ES-5 in study). In total 15 stakeholder
meeting, 12 public meetings, and 104 small
group or one-on-one meetings were
conducted
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2003 |
Community requests that the Highway
component of the North-Hardy Corridor
Alternatives Analysis Report be set aside until
the Transit component is completed
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July 28, 2003 |
North-Hardy Corridor Alternatives Analysis
Report-Transit Component is initiated
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November 2003 |
Locally Preferred Investment Strategy is
approved by METRO Board and the voters
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February 2004 |
North-Hardy Alternatives Analysis Report-
Transit Component is completed
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June 2004 |
Review long list of highway alternatives
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October 26 & 28, 2004 |
Draft recommendation of Highway Alternative
presented publicly. Public feedback modified
the Draft Highway Alternative
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November 2005 |
Final report published: North-Hardy Planning, Alternatives Analysis Report (Highway Component)
As a result of public comments on the Draft report, the Draft Recommended Alternative from Downtown to Beltway 8 was revised. The Final report states:
“It is the goal of TxDOT to remain within the existing right-of-way of IH 45 as improvements to this congested freeway corridor are designed and developed. The existing right-of-way south of IH 610 is limited and multiple design options will need to be explored to remain within the existing right-of-way. Design options could include: reduced shoulder width requirements; reduced or eliminated frontage roads; cantilevered frontage roads, elevated roadway sections, and other creative engineering techniques. These options along with the feasibility to add capacity to the Hardy Toll Road will be thoroughly explored during preliminary engineering and preparation of the environmental document for this project.”
During the approval process for the Final report for the Highway Component, TxDOT agreed to the following project goals when the preliminary design and environmental document preparation phase begins:
- Stay within the existing IH 45 right of way between Quitman St. and Cavalcade St., except at intersections where turn lanes may be needed.
- Minimize effects on quality of life issues of the residents and neighborhoods in the project area.
- Study Hardy Toll Road as an alternative route for additional lanes.
- Evaluate use of tunnels as an alternative in areas of constrained right-of-way.
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