Transportation Policy Council Meeting: Feb. 25 |
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The Federal Highway Administration requires transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to submit annual performance measures based on five-year rolling averages covering five key areas: 1) the number of fatalities on the roads, 2) the rate of fatalities (per 100 million vehicle miles traveled), 3) the number of serious injuries on the roads, 4) the rate of serious injuries (per 100 vehicle miles traveled), and 5) the number of non-motorist (bicyclist and pedestrian) fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. The Texas Department of Transportation has calculated the state's annual safety performance measures and targets to meet its Vision Zero goals, and H-GAC subsequently calculates annual measures and targets for the region based on those of the state.
Despite efforts by H-GAC and local governments and agencies to raise awareness and improve safety on our roadways, there continues to be a growing disconnect between the region's safety performance measure targets and actual figures. Fatalities and injuries continue to be higher on average than the region's target numbers in all five areas. To address this gap, the TPC discussed the prospect of creating a transportation safety taskforce dedicated to understanding why injuries and fatalities remain high and whether a fundamental shift is needed in how H-GAC and the region approach transportation safety. More information about the taskforce composition and duration will be presented at a later meeting. With the submitted performance measures, the council included letters of support for TxDOT's state and H-GAC's own regional Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050.
Other items approved by the policy council included amendments to the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program and the 2045 Regional Transportation Program, and the 2022-2026 Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan. The council also received an update on several high-capacity transit feasibility studies either in the works or ongoing in the region.
Finally, the council recognized the service of outgoing members Andy Mann, League City councilmember, Chris Bogert, P.E., engineering manager with the city of Conroe, Doug Kneupper, P.E., city engineer with the city of Texas City, and Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta. Mann, Bogert, and Kneupper served on the TPC since 2021, 2018, and 2008 respectively. Judge Sebesta served as chair of the TPC from 2016 to 2018 and as past-chair from 2019 to 2021.
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Learn about the Newest Transportation Improvement Projects Coming to Your Community at a Virtual Public Meeting Today at 2 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. |
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This new 2023-2026 TIP includes several infrastructural improvement projects identified as priorities for the eight-county Houston-Galveston metropolitan planning area. They include roadway upgrades and widening projects to help mitigate congestion and facilitate freight movement; bus-rapid transit and multimodal street developments to accommodate motorists, high-occupancy vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians; critical safety improvements; and air quality improvement projects.
Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to hear more about these projects, ask questions, and provide feedback at the public meetings. They will take place online and will include options to join via Zoom or dial in by phone. H-GAC will provide a Spanish translator and an American Sign Language interpreter at both meetings.
Public Comment Period
The public comment period is now open and ends on April 4, 2022. To submit a public comment, you can:
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Email public comments to: [email protected]
- Make public comments by phone at 1-855-363-2516
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Susan Jaworski Discusses Bike Safety and Infrastructure in March Featured Community Impact Story |
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Susan Jaworski, senior transportation planner at H-GAC, appeared in the March transportation feature story in Community Impact Newspaper, the Heights-River Oaks-Montrose edition. Jaworski talked about the growing momentum for bike infrastructure in the region.
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Photo credit: Shawn Arrajj, Community Impact Newspaper |
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Should Pearland Have Public Transportation? H-GAC Invites Pearland Residents to Share Their Feedback |
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H-GAC and the city of Pearland want to hear from Pearland residents and understand if public transportation could benefit the city.
Public transportation, at its core, strives to improve access to our essential needs. It provides people with mobility and access to employment, community resources, medical care, and recreational opportunities. Pearland is one of the fastest-growing suburban cities in Texas, and we are using this time to consider if public transit is needed.
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H-GAC Seeks Community Input on Draft Recommendations to Improve Safety and Congestion in Southeast Harris County |
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H-GAC has conducted a study of congestion and safety concerns in the southeast Harris County area and has proposed improvements that align with the region’s goals for safety, maintenance, mobility, the economy, and the environment. We now seek your feedback!
H-GAC will host a virtual public meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 28 where residents living or working in southeast Harris County can learn about the recommendations, ask questions, and learn how to post their comments using H-GAC's engagement tools. The meeting will be online via Zoom and will include dial in by phone options. It will also be recorded and made available online later for those unable to attend.
Public comments will be accepted though April 11, 2022. To review the draft recommendations in full and register to attend the public meeting, click on the graphic to the right or visit engage.h-gac.com.
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What's Next for Freight in the Region? Find out at the Regional Goods Movement Public Planning Meeting on Thursday, March 31 |
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H-GAC staff will discuss our findings and recommendations that aim to meet regional economic goals, address mobility challenges, mitigate impacts on the environment, and contribute to community livability and quality of life. We encourage you to attend this public meeting so you may learn about how our region is adapting to its changing needs.
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Celebrate Regional Conservation with H-GAC at Special Event on Wednesday, March 30 |
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Join H-GAC from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 30 for a celebration of conservation in the Houston-Galveston region. The event will be in-person at the H-GAC office (3555 Timmons Lane) on the second floor, Conference Room 2B.
Local government representatives and nongovernmental partners working to preserve, restore, and enhance natural areas are invited to attend. Speakers will discuss a successful partnership for tree plantings, a greenway trail project, and the transformational remediation of a contaminated brownfield site into a nature preserve. There will also be time for networking.
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Stuck on the Freeway? Call Tow and Go for a Complimentary Tow off the Nearest Exit |
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As the weather gets warmer, engines run hotter. If you ever find yourself stranded on the freeway due to mechanical failure or a flat tire, take advantage of the Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go™ Program. Call 713-881-3333 to receive a no-cost tow to a safe area off the nearest freeway exit. Service covers all camera-monitored freeways in Harris County, Bellaire, Jersey Village, La Porte, and Humble.
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Friday, March 25
9:30-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, April 13
9:30-11:30 a.m.
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