INTERSTATE 14 (I-14) TXDOT PERSPECTIVE Bobby Littlefield, P.E. Waco District Engineer

March 16, 2016 Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization FAST Act – Corridor and I-14

. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act 2015 identified the Central Texas Corridor as a Congressional High Priority Corridor. – “… commencing at the logical terminus of Interstate Route 10, generally following portions of United States Route 190 eastward, passing in the vicinity , Killeen, Belton, Temple, Bryan, College Station, Huntsville, Livingston, and Woodville, to the logical terminus of Texas Highway 63 at the Sabine River Bridge at Burrs Crossing.” . Also designated it as I-14.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 2 Past study results

. TxDOT completed a planning-level feasibility study for the US 190 and I-10 corridors from El Paso to the State Line in May 2012. . The study evaluated the potential strategic, economic, emergency, and environmental benefits of various improvements that could be considered to address existing and future needs. . Several improvements for the corridor were identified. Very little identified as an interstate type facility.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 3 Current system status

. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) completed an initial assessment of a 25-mile section of US 190 from Copperas Cove to I-35 in Belton. . Interstate Highway System design standards are generally met in this 25-mile section of US 190. . Two design issues were identified that are being coordinated. . No other segments within the Central Texas Corridor currently meet interstate standards.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 4 Current system status

Atmos Energy driveway on Fort Hood property Physical removal of pavement anticipated by the end of the month.

Vertical Grade 5.7% grade – EB lanes approx. 1.4 miles west of SH 201 Urban Interstate Standard is 5.0% Design exception anticipated

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 5 Next steps for Interstate designation of first section

. Finalize the technical assessment report for the 25-mile section of US 190 from I-35 to Fort Hood (underway). . Technical assessment report is expected to be submitted to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review before the end of March. . Receive Texas Transportation Commission approval for designation and application submitted to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (March 2016). . Begin process of requesting FHWA (Washington Office) and AASHTO approvals of designation (Possibly May 2016). . Signing of I-14 (anticipated late 2016/early 2017).

Note: The process for obtaining designation approval can take several months.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 6 Additional plans for first section

. Continue expansion to 6 lanes . Continue operational upgrades such as frontage road u-turns and frontage road connections . Expand Copperas Cove bypass to 4 lanes . Eastern extension from Belton to Heidenheimer/Rogers

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 7 Interstate Development Considerations

. Roadway or route segments must meet interstate standards to be signed as I-14. . Planning and environmental studies will be necessary to identify the specific route and the improvements needed to meet interstate standards. . Overweight vehicles that are currently permitted on non-interstate roadways will not be able to use that roadway once it is designated as interstate. . No dedicated funding source for I-14. Individual construction projects will compete for funding with other projects across the state.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 8 Planning for the future

TxDOT recognizes the need to continue planning efforts along the I-14 corridor, which would include: . Working with state and local stakeholders to understand needs, priorities, and available resources. . Supporting a needs-based development of future transportation improvements that considers future opportunities for interstate development. . Understanding that this is a long-term proposition and many areas may require a series of improvements over time to ultimately achieve interstate standards. . Continuing to track activities and progress along the corridor.

The FAST Act did not allocate funding to projects.

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 9 Questions?

Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization 10