City of Sugar Land


As seen in the May/June 2004 issue of Government Engineer 

An innovative partnership led to priority funding for U.S. 59's expansion through Sugar Land. The expansion was crucial to a county that is #15 in growth in the nation, a city that is #1 in growth in the state of the 45 largest cities, and is a crucial link in the NAFTA Corridor that travels from Canada, through Texas to Mexico.

What was once a rural highway with two main lanes in each direction is now a freeway that includes a total of eight main lanes, four in each direction.

Earlier this year, the state completed its expansion on this three-and-a-half-mile stretch of freeway, which now includes a total of eight continuous northbound and southbound main lanes from State Highway 6 in Sugar Land to southwest Houston. As part of this project, capacity was improved at all major intersections under the freeway, including u-turns allowing drivers to bypass traffic signals.

The freeway also includes continuous frontage roads along the entire route allowing traffic to travel over Oyster Creek and under the Union Pacific railroad, features that did not exist prior to expansion. As a result, commute times have dramatically improved. The intersections under the freeway are more efficient, as the addition of new approach lanes and u-turn lanes enable motorists to sit through fewer traffic lights.

A part of the project scheduled for completion later this year is a tri-level interchange at U.S. 59/U.S. 90A. When completed, drivers will be able to exit U.S. 59 to frontage roads that adjoin U.S. 90A. This tri-level interchange will feature: U.S. 59 at the top level, depressed frontage roads at the lower level, and U.S. 90A main lanes and railroad tracks at ground level.

The $130 million expansion of U.S. Highway 59, two previously unfunded projects, was identified and funded as a top priority by the Texas Transportation Commission. The construction project was accelerated 10 years ahead of schedule, and two projects were funded after removal from the state's construction program because there were simply too many projects for available funding. The schedule of the project was further accelerated, allowing construction to begin on the second of two projects one year ahead of schedule. The success of the partnership has resulted in similar collaboration efforts on other projects throughout the region, including a $105 million expansion of U.S. 59 further south that will begin next year.

An Innovative Approach

Sugar Land's City Council found an innovative solution to mobility.

Two of the three U.S. 59 expansion projects through the area had been dropped from the state's 10-year road funding plan. The Fort Bend County contingent-including local, state and federal officials-made three trips over three years to the Texas Transportation Commission to emphasize the importance of all three segments as Strategic Priority Projects. Additional letter-writing campaigns and personal phone calls augmented the trips.

The U.S. 59 expansion project vaulted to the top of the Texas Department of  Transportation (TxDOT) funding list through federal, state, and local officials working in partnership, sheer perseverance, and a $3.9 million contribution by the City of Sugar Land.

The city worked closely with TxDOT after project approval in a "Partnership for Progress" in the development and execution. During project design, the city and TxDOT worked together to develop innovative solutions to lessen traffic congestion early on during construction. They also worked together to find ways to get the greatest impact up front in the project and plans, which shortened the project schedule with increased incentives and disincentives. TxDOT utilized fast-track pavement techniques for major intersections to minimize disruption to the motorists. TxDOT also opened the intersections and u-turns with expanded capacities as early as possible for the benefit of the motorists. The increased financial incentives offered by TxDOT to the contractor were placed at two milestones: at the opening of the main lanes of the freeway and at the completion of the entire job.

The original engineering schematic for U.S. 59 did not indicate any improvements to State Highway 6 at the intersection with U.S. 59. This intersection is one of the busiest in Sugar Land and is located in the geographic center of the city. It is also adjacent to the new Town Square, which is nearing completion of phase one and will include the new Sugar Land Marriot Hotel and Conference Center, a new city hall, office towers, retail stores, residential units, and restaurants-all within a pedestrian friendly environment. As a result of the city's request and the city's ability to acquire the additional right-of-way at the major intersection, TxDOT was able to improve intersection capacity to State Highway 6 and the frontage roads. Modeling indicated that in several years with anticipated growth this effort will have reduced peak hour wait times at the intersection by as much as 70 percent.

Aesthetic Enhancements

In addition to improved mobility, the U.S. 59 project incorporates aesthetic improvements, making it more enticing for business expansion, retention, and relocation. These aesthetic improvements were the result of partnering closely with TxDOT in the early design phase. These enhancements that make this a "signature" freeway include:

  • Etched bridge abutment columns proudly displaying a star and crown - the two most distinguishing elements of the city's seal.
  • Similarly etched ornamental overhead highway sign structures pre-wired to accommodate future technology upgrades intended to improve traffic flow. TxDOT designed the ornamental sign structures to accommodate conduit for the future placement of intelligent transportation system (ITS) hardware, including cameras for emergency and demand management.
  • Continuous patterned rail along the sides of U.S. 59, as opposed to the typical installation of smooth rails at only bridges and ramps. This allows for landscaping between the main lanes and the frontage roads.
  • Ashlar stone retaining walls and a sound wall, which have a unique texture and color scheme.
  • Grassy slopes with imported topsoil to help "soften" the effects of large retaining walls.
  • Ornamental traffic signals at the frontage road intersections.
  • Static-level detention pond with future aeration fountain instead of a dry detention hole with a chain link fence surrounding it.

These refinements of the highway are examples of the many ways Sugar Land differentiates itself from other communities that border U.S. highways. It is a continuation of a theme that the city pays attention to every detail, always looking for opportunities to highlight the established image of the community.

Following the state's opening of eight northbound and southbound main lanes from Kirkwood to State Highway 6, installation began on the large overhead ornamental highway signs that were pre-wired to accommodate future technology upgrades intended to improve traffic flow. The city has also upgraded to ornamental traffic signals at intersections along the freeway, which will also include grassy slopes rising from the frontage roads to the retaining walls.

In accordance with Sugar Land's Urban Beautification Policy, the city will install landscaping improvements along U.S. 59 in cooperation with the TxDOT Landscape Cost Share Program. The landscaping will include trees, shrubs, and flowers, with more concentrated arrangements located at intersections along the highway.

In addition to the landscaping, a decorative monument marker denoting the entrance to Sugar Land will be constructed at U.S. 59 and U.S. 90A in addition to other major entrances to the city. As a final signature feature, the U.S. 59/U.S. 90A interchange will include a stately clock tower, visible from both U.S. 59 and U.S. 90A, with a landscaped gathering area and water feature at the base of the structure.

Overall, the city, in cooperation with local, state and federal officials succeeded in getting the U.S. 59 expansion project funded ahead of schedule.  The collaborative approach to this project has provided a blueprint for future efforts.

A Solution to a Problem

U.S. 59 is a vital economic lifeline for Fort Bend County. Locally, population growth in the county from 1990 through 2000 soared from more than 225,400 to over 354,400, an average increase of 5.7 percent annually or 57.2 percent over the last decade. In Sugar Land, a city positioned alongside U.S. 59, population growth increased 158 percent during the same 10-year period, making it the second fastest growing city in Texas.

The 2,300-acre community of New Territory is currently home to 3,800 families, with an expected build-out of 4,600 homes and 500 apartments, which equates to 17,000 residents.

The 2,050-acre Greatwood subdivision includes more than 3,100 homes and will eventually include 4,100 homes with 14,350 residents.

Looking to the future, the 3,700-acre Riverstone community is planned for 6,000 homes and 21,000 residents.

In total, this means more than 50,000 new residents.

The region has outgrown a highway built for rural purposes. Within eyesight of U.S. 59 are several major employers, the one million-sq ft First Colony Shopping Mall, and the University of Houston's new Sugar Land campus.

The sale of 1,955 acres of state property known as General Land Office Tracts 4 and 5, both of which front U.S. 59, offers another mobility challenge. The purchase of the property by a builder of master-planned communities assures a large increase in the number of future motorists.

Benefits to Citizens

Fort Bend County's stretch of U.S. 59 is not just a regionally significant corridor impacting the development of one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. The highway, expected to become Interstate 69, is an important link in the nation's NAFTA corridor. Designated by the U.S. Congress as a "High-Priority Corridor of National Significance," I -69 will extend from Canada to the lower Rio Grande Valley. Fort Bend County's role in this national endeavor is clear: Since the passage of NAFTA in 1992, truck/vehicular traffic continues to escalate as international freight movement increases between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A main transportation corridor for several master-planned communities, residents had little choice but to endure daily stop-and-go commutes to and from downtown Houston, and other major business and medical centers. These residents now enjoy expanded access to employment centers inside Houston.

Local businesses also benefit from less congestion and easier access to their establishments. From an economic development standpoint, the aesthetic improvements add value, attracting businesses looking for communities that pay attention to every detail, thereby differentiating themselves from others bordering highways. The aesthetic upgrades also intangibly increase pride in community and quality of life. The U.S. 59 "signature" enhancements highlight the established image of Sugar Land.

How Replicable Is the Program?

Texas governments vie for limited highway dollars. Projects targeting improved mobility are numerous, but hard decisions must be made when setting priorities. Sugar Land's successful approach required persistence and coordination. Involving federal, state, and local officials carried additional weight to the importance of the project.

Sugar Land's contributions to the project-in terms of financial, right-of-way acquisition, and aesthetic enhancements-contributed to the project’s success.

Once the project was approved and funded by TxDOT, the expansion was considered one of the city's greatest information challenges. To create an awareness of safety, lower motorist frustration, and build understanding and pride in the end product, the city launched a multi-media communications initiative.

The city assumed a large role in implementing and maintaining the communications plan for what is a state construction project. Acceptable protocols were developed with TxDOT's public information staff to ensure the smooth rollout of information.

Extensive media coverage and information from the city during the project approval stage kept citizens well informed. The following communication tools were then used:

  • Open houses
  • Press conference detailing the project groundbreaking event
  • U.S. 59 Newsletters
  • 59 Rotline phone number
  • U.S. 59 Update on City Web site
  • Models of U.S. 59 on tour throughout the city
  • Changeable freeway message signs
  • News release updates
  • TxDOT reports to city council broadcast live over the Internet
  • Community newsletter articles
  • Annual 59 brochure update
  • Business update letters
  • Special post cards
  • E-mail distribution list of anticipated closures and changes

Conclusion

U.S.. 59 is the key to a transportation system able to accommodate the economic and mobility needs of the city, county, and the nation in order to ensure a prosperous and powerful economy in the future.

Sugar Land's approach to this very important project is one that involves all stakeholders. It has been a coordinated, diligent effort that serves as a roadmap for future projects.

 

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