FM 1093/Westpark Tollway Public Meeting Summary Report

From FM 1463/FM 359 To SH 99

CSJ: 1258-03-042 and 1258-03-043

Prepared for Fort Bend County U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas Department of Transportation- Houston District

December 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY………………………………………………………………1

APPENDICES

Appendix A NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Appendix B ADVERTISEMENTS/AFFIDAVITS Appendix C PUBLIC MEETING PROGRAM Appendix D PHOTOGRAPHS Appendix E SIGN-IN SHEETS Appendix F WRITTEN COMMENT FORMS Appendix G ELECTED OFFICIALS LETTER AND LIST Appendix H ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS LIST

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PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY

Fort Bend County, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Houston District, conducted a public meeting concerning the proposed FM 1093 roadway widening project from FM 1463 to SH 99, on October 27, 2011 at Seven Lakes High School located at 9251 South Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77494. The purpose of the meeting was to gather public input on the proposed widening of FM 1093/Westpark Tollway.

The existing FM 1093 roadway is a two-lane undivided facility. The proposed roadway improvement project would extend the existing Westpark Tollway (four-lane controlled access tollway with continuous non-toll frontage roads) from its current terminus at SH 99 through the FM 723 intersection. The toll lanes would terminate and tie into the non-toll frontage roads west of the FM 723 intersection. The four-lane divided facility would continue west through the intersection of Westheimer Lakes North Drive. West of Westheimer Lakes North Drive, the four-lane divided roadway would taper into the existing two-lane undivided facility immediately east of the FM 1463/FM 359 intersection. A five-foot sidewalk is proposed on the north side of the proposed project. Additional right-of-way (ROW) would be required for the proposed project. The additional ROW would be obtained from private property along the north side and a portion of METRO ROW along the south side. One commercial displacement is required as part of the proposed project. Katy-Gaston Road and Spring Green Boulevard/FM 723, within the proposed project limits, would become grade- separated interchanges. The proposed project length is approximately 4.2 miles and the proposed project construction is anticipated in 2013.

The Notice of Public Meeting was published on September 22 and October 13, 2011 in the Houston Chronicle community newspapers for zip codes 77494 and 77406; September 25 and October 16, 2011 in the LaVoz Spanish newspaper; and on September 27 and October 17, 2011 in the Houston Chronicle. The notice and the affidavits of publication are attached.

The public meeting was held, from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in an open house format. Two registration tables were located at the entrance of Seven Lakes High School Cafeteria/Commons area where attendees were invited to sign-in. Each person was provided with a pre-addressed comment form to share their thoughts regarding the proposed project, and a program, which contained a brief description and purpose of the proposed project. Handouts provided at the public meeting were available in English and Spanish. The sign-in forms and programs are attached.

Citizens were given an opportunity to view the various exhibits that were on display (see attached photos). Exhibits included a welcome board, the project location, the need and purpose, the project description, typical sections, the schematic layout for the preferred alternative, and an environmental constraints map. Additionally, project management staff was available at each station to provide information and answer questions from citizens regarding the proposed project.

Public Comments The public was encouraged to ask questions and make comments. All verbal questions and comments were immediately responded to at the meeting. Sixteen public meeting comment

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forms were submitted at the public meeting and 11 comment forms were submitted via regular mail or email by the deadline of November 10, 2011. Input gathered from meeting attendees will be evaluated and used in the final adjustments of the preferred alternative. The written questions/comments received and responses are attached and summarized as follows:

Comment 1: I would like to see a connector lane (at grade) from south bound SH 99 to west bound frontage. This should be mandatory on the project due to timing of construction and reduced delay time. The project is desperately needed. Bumper to bumper traffic often 5:00 pm is dangerous. Overflow traffic congests Fry Road and ramp from SH 99 to Fry Road. Accessing FM 1093 in the morning is dangerous at Gaston.

Response 1: It is agreed that a south bound to west bound at-grade connector is needed. It will be added to the final schematic.

Comment 2: For residence with entrances to subdivision there should be a light instead of having to make an unsafe u-turn. Westheimer Lakes South.

Response 2: A traffic signal is not feasible at the intersection of FM 1093 and Canyon Fields Drive/Cinco Road Drive (the entrance to Westheimer Lakes South) because the mainlanes of the Westpark Tollway are terminating approximately 1,500 feet to the east of this intersection. Because multiple high-speed lanes are transitioning onto the frontage road, a signalized intersection at this location would be dangerous and would create a problem similar to the existing intersection of Gaston Road at FM 1093 (which is located approximately 2,000 feet from the end of the current Westpark Tollway mainlanes). The proposed u-turn would not be inherently unsafe. It would function identically to u-turns located at diamond interchanges throughout the State and would be large enough to accommodate a tractor-trailer vehicle.

Comment 3: Covey Trails is a public use airport. Phase Two-Plan an overpass at FM 1093 and FM 1463/FM 359. Consider airport approach path regarding overpass rise and light poles in the path of air traffic.

Response 3: The airport approach path and associated clear zones will be considered when planning the future extension of the Phase 2 Westpark Tollway. Currently, there are no plans to construct anything that would conflict with the runway approach for Covey Trails.

Comment 4: Concerned about FM 1463 intersection and projected Phase I transition.

Response 4: The transition from eight-lanes to two-lanes at FM 1463 occurs over a distance of 9,000 feet (1.7 miles). This meets the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO) and TxDOT requirements for transition lengths for this type of facility.

Comment 5: Concerning the feeder road from Canyon Fields Drive to SH 99 (Grand Parkway), how much more congested will this be for people using it and not the tollway? There is an awful lot of traffic on this road and I don’t imagine a lot of the people will take the toll road for that short of a distance.

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Response 5: The proposed four-lanes of frontage roads would add capacity beyond the existing two-lane road. If traffic becomes congested on the frontage road, drivers would have the option to pay a toll to access the mainlanes and bypass potential congestion on the frontage roads.

Comment 6: Please consider noise abatement and hazards to air navigation.

Response 6: Noise mitigation will be considered for impacted residences. If a noise wall is considered reasonable and feasible, then noise walls would be recommended. See Response 3 for comment concerning hazards to air navigation.

Comment 7: I drive FM 1093 every day. I have been driving it for over six years. There is dramatic congestion every morning going towards Houston, and every evening headed towards Fulshear. From 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., it can take 15 to 18 minutes to move from FM 723 to SH 99. In the evenings, traffic is backed up east of SH 99 all the way to FM 723. The congestion causes drivers to do stupid things, like driving on shoulders or merge gores. I see people trying to cross this traffic from the side streets in desperate, fast, and dangerous manners. I see bad driving caused by frustration almost every day.

Response 7: Comment noted.

Comment 8: I was pleased to have my questions answered.

Response 8: Comment noted.

Comment 9: Congestion at FM 1093 is really bad during peak hours and with additional developments it is getting worse by the day. This project will be really useful to relieve congestion and also improve safety through this corridor.

Response 9: Comment noted.

Comment 10: This project is needed today as the traffic in this area is rapidly growing. Extension of frontage roads and tollway is already behind the development in this area of Fort Bend County. Please expedite the environmental process as well as design and construction of this project.

Response 10: Comment noted.

Comment 11: It is very dangerous as is! The sooner the better. It is going to be a year or two, please consider temporary improvements. Do the frontage roads now.

Response 11: Temporary improvements will be considered. The frontage roads are part of the proposed FM 1093 improvement project. As such, the environmental process and the ROW acquisition have to be completed before construction can begin.

Comment 12: We are ready. Start tomorrow! Response 12: Comment noted.

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Comment 13: Forthcoming in a letter.

Response 13: Comment noted.

Comment 14: I would like this constructed as soon as possible. Due to increase in traffic and development in this area.

Response 14: Comment noted.

Comment 15: It is what it is!

Response 15: Comment noted.

Comment 16: Ready to get this started.

Response 16: Comment noted.

Comment 17: I attended the meeting held on October 27 to get information on how the proposed project will affect the two subdivisions. After seeing the proposed plans, I have serious concern about how the project will affect the Westheimer Lakes and Westheimer Lakes North subdivisions, especially the access to and from the subdivisions. The Westheimer Lakes intersection is a major four-way intersection and should be either a ground level lighted intersection or further improve the tollway west with an elevated overpass and do it now as part of phase one construction.

Response 17: A traffic signal is not feasible at the intersection of FM 1093 and Westheimer Lakes North Drive (the entrance to Westheimer Lakes North subdivision) because the mainlanes of the Westpark Tollway are terminating approximately three-quarters of a mile (approximately 3,800 feet) to the east of this intersection. Because multiple high-speed lanes are transitioning onto the frontage road, a signalized intersection at this location would be dangerous and would create a problem similar to the existing intersection of Gaston Road at FM 1093 (which is located approximately 2,000 feet from the end of the current Westpark Tollway mainlanes). Improvements on FM 1093 from James Lanes (west of Fulshear) to FM 1463 are currently part of future plans.

Comment 18: I attended the meeting held on October 27 to get information on how the proposed project will affect the two subdivisions that the company I work for has developed. After seeing the proposed plans, I have serious concern about how the project will affect the Westheimer Lakes and Westheimer Lakes North subdivisions, especially the access to and from the subdivisions and we request a meeting with you to allow us to explain our concerns.

Response 18: See Response 17. The public meeting summary report will be available for review at the TxDOT Houston District office, located at 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007 and the Fort Bend County Engineering office, located at 1124-52 Blume Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

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Comment 19: I am writing in support of the initial phase of the proposed expansion of the Westpark Tollway from SH 99 (Grand Parkway) to FM 723 (Spring Green Road), including improvements of FM 1093 west to FM 1463. These thoroughfare development projects are consistent with the major thoroughfare plan for the region and are critical to ensure safe and efficient mobility for the area as residential development continues to grow at a very fast pace. The Westpark Tollway is a key mobility component in transporting daily from this area thousands of existing and new residents into the City of Houston. TxDOT is encouraged to complete, as soon as possible, future phases of the Tollway expansion to the west to support tremendous residential growth in this area.

Research recently undertaken by a nationally respected demographic firm indicates that this area to the west of Highway 99, much of which is within the boundaries of the Katy Independent School District (ISD), is one of the fastest growing suburban areas in the country. A report presented by the District’s demographic consultant to our Board of Trustees on October 24, 2011, projects approximately 12,000 new housing units in the southwest sector of our District over the next ten years, with approximately 8,700 of these being constructed within the next five years. These thoroughfares are necessary for the daily transport of students by way of school bus or personal vehicle. It is also extremely important that the major north/south collector thoroughfare of FM 1463 be developed now to support safe and efficient connection to the proposed Westpark Tollway expansion. Large master planned communities situated adjacent to FM 1463 are currently completing road connections into FM 1463 resulting in a tremendous volume of additional traffic on this road. Improvements to expand FM 1463 to ensure at least four lanes of safe, controlled thoroughfare from FM 1093 to I-10, as well as the elimination of 90 degree uncontrolled turns is critical to support the residential development in this area and to ensure both the safe mobility of our students, staff, and community, as well as the efficient connection to the proposed Westpark Tollway expansion. Only through the development of FM 1463 will the development of the Westpark Tollway prove entirely successful. We anxiously await these important road projects.

Response 19: Comment noted.

Comment 20: This project is greatly needed. It should be built as soon as possible. Anything that can be done to accelerate the schedule should be done. The traffic problems along FM 1093 extend past Fulshear. Every effort should be made to extend the construction limits west either to Fulshear, or preferably, beyond.

Response 20: Comment Noted. Improvements on FM 1093 from James Lanes (west of Fulshear) to FM 1463 are currently part of future plans.

Comment 21: This area of FM 1093 has heavy bicycle use in the evenings and on the weekend. Consideration to bicycle use should be given during construction to accommodate cyclists. Conventional construction traffic control largely ignores cyclists. Shoulders should be retained during construction for cyclist use in this area of high volume bicycle use.

The project design should include bicycle lanes on the frontage roads and carry the lanes through the intersections. This area sees some of the highest cyclists’ usage in the Houston

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Metropolitan Area, with hundreds of cyclists riding on the roadway every weekend, and regular bicycle events with thousands of users.

To summarize: • Wide shared lanes will not be adequate for the numbers of cyclists on these roadways. • In rural areas, bicycle lanes should be provided on the frontage roads if full (8 feet to 10 feet) shoulders are not provided. • In developed areas with curb and gutter on frontage roads, wide bicycle lanes should be provided. • Areas with turn lanes at intersections should carry the bicycle lanes through the intersections. If bicyclists’ area accommodated on the shoulder, bicycle lanes should be provided through the turn lanes areas.

Response 21: Wide shared-use bicycle lanes are required by TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in lieu of a dedicated bicycle lane and would be provided for on this project. Temporary bicycle lanes would not be provided during construction due to safety concerns and cost.

Comment 22: We need a bike lane because on weekends there are usually 20 or more bikers riding on FM 1093.

Response 22: See Response 21.

Comment 23: I am concerned about the congestion that will be created at the intersection of FM 1093 and FM 1463. There have been several bad accidents at that intersection already. Please make some safety improvements at this intersection. FM 1093 needs a bike lane.

Response 23: Congestion at FM 1093 and FM 1463 will be addressed by a separate project, but it will not be ignored. See Response 21.

Comment 24: Are they going to have bicycle lanes? FM 1093 and FM 1463 are packed on the weekend with cyclists. FM 1093 and FM 1463 are already a dangerous intersection. The intersection of Flewellen Way and FM 1093 has seen many, many accidents. This could affect future sales in the Cross Creek Ranch, Fulbrook, and Weston Lakes Communities. How is the bus barn, with an additional 400 bus trips a day, going to affect the traffic and safety?

Response 24: See Response 23. Flewellen Way is not a part of this proposed project, but will be addressed in a separate project. The bus barn traffic is accounted for in the future traffic projections. Since the bus barn traffic is accounted for in future traffic projections and since improvements to FM 1093 from James Lane to FM 1463 are proposed in the future, it is not anticipated that sales would be affected by the bus barn traffic.

Comment 25: FM 1093 should have a bike lane. I would like to see the Westpark Tollway use more of the land on the south side of the road. Traffic light situation at FM 1093 and FM 1463 is horrible. The congestion needs to be addressed.

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Response 25: See Response 23. Currently, the proposed project would utilize 50-feet of the 100-foot METRO ROW to the south of FM 1093. METRO is retaining the remaining ROW and the right to operate a rail transit system in their corridor, adjacent to and immediately south of the proposed FM 1093/Westpark Tollway expansion; therefore, additional land to the south is not available for the proposed project.

Comment 26: Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback in response to the proposed extension of the Westpark Tollway and FM 1093.

Katy ISD continues to experience unprecedented growth in residential housing in the southwest sector of our school district, including that area bordered by the Westpark Tollway and FM 1093. As a result, traffic mobility in this area is a particular concern of ours. Two distinct areas of concern are as follows:

1. Because Katy ISD buses travel the Westpark Tollway access roads and FM 1093 daily in transporting school children to and from our schools, it is important that both the Tollway access roads and FM 1093 have sufficient lanes to safely accommodate buses and passenger vehicles. Toward that end, we would respectfully suggest that the Tollway access roads and FM 1093 include four lanes-two in each direction.

2. There appear to be no immediate plans to improve FM 1463, a major north/south artery comprised of a single lane in each direction, between FM 1093 and Interstate 10. Since much of the traffic on FM 1463 will likely be connecting with the Westpark Tollway and FM 1093, any efforts to enhance the Tollway and FM 1093 will also create greater traffic volume on FM 1463. Travel on FM 1463 will also increase substantially in the next few years with the development of communities in the southwest sector of the school district. In addition, the recent connection to FM 1463 of major west/east thoroughfares such as Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Fry Road is expected to bring greater traffic to FM 1463. As you would imagine, many of our buses travel FM 1463 daily and that number is expected to increase even more as the area grows. To more safely accommodate buses and passenger vehicles, we would respectfully urge that serous consideration be given to the widening of FM 1463 in conjunction with the planned Tollway and FM 1093 expansion.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.

Response 26: The proposed project would provide two free frontage road lanes in each direction. FM 1463 does merit consideration for future widening, but is not within the scope of this proposed project.

Comment 27: On behalf of the Board of Governors for the Katy Area Economic Development Council, I am writing in support of the initial phase of the proposed expansion of the Westpark Tollway from State Highway 99 (Grand Parkway) to FM 723 (Spring Green Road), including improvements of FM 1093 west to FM 1463. These thoroughfare development projects are consistent with the major thoroughfare plan for the region and are critical to ensure safe and efficient mobility for the area as residential development continues to grow at a very fast pace. The Westpark Tollway is a key mobility component in transporting daily from this area thousands of existing and new residents into the City of Houston. TxDOT is

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encouraged to complete, as soon as possible, future phases of the Tollway expansion to the west to support tremendous residential growth and commercial development in this area.

Research recently undertaken by a nationally respected demographic firm indicates that this area to the west of Highway 99, much of which is within the boundaries of the Katy Area Economic Development Council (EDC), is one of the fastest growing suburban areas in the country. We anxiously await these important road projects. Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Response 27: Comment noted.

Comment 28: I would like an e-mail copy/scan of the meeting minutes, pictures/drawings, or a link to a video of the meeting if it is available. I was unable to attend and am interested in the outcome of this meeting. Thank you very much.

Response 28: TxDOT personnel contacted the commenter to let them know that the public meeting summary report will be available for review at the TxDOT Houston District office, located at 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007 and the Fort Bend County Engineering office, located at 1124-52 Blume Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

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APPENDIX A NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Fort Bend County and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a public meeting regarding the proposed improvements to FM 1093 from SH 99 to FM 1463 in Fort Bend County. The meeting will be held on October 27, 2011 at Seven Lakes High School, which is located at 9251 South Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77494. The meeting will be held in an open house format from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather public input on the proposed widening of FM 1093 from SH 99 to FM 1463. FM 1093 within the project limits is currently a two-lane undivided rural roadway. The proposed project would consist of a four-lane divided tollway with non-tolled, two-lane continuous frontage roads.

Exhibits showing aerial photography and schematic plans of the proposed project corridor will be presented at the meeting. Representatives from Fort Bend County, TxDOT and their study team will be available to answer individual questions. Public comments are encouraged. The schematic plan showing the proposed alternatives is on file and available for inspection at the Fort Bend County Offices at 1124-52 Blume Road, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 and the TxDOT Houston District Office at 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. TxDOT and County offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays.

Additional right-of-way would be required for the proposed project and some displacements would be necessary. Personnel from the TxDOT Right-of-Way Section will be available to discuss TxDOT’s Relocation Assistance Program that provides benefits and services for those that may be displaced. Information about the tentative right-of-way acquisition schedule can be obtained from the District office.

Persons interested in attending the public meeting who have special communication or accommodation needs are encouraged to contact TxDOT’s Public Information Office at 713-802-5072 at least two working days prior to the meeting. Since the public meeting will be conducted in English, any requests for language interpreters or other special communication needs should also be made at least two working days prior to the public meeting. TxDOT will make every reasonable effort to accommodate these needs.

All interested citizens are invited to attend this public meeting. Written comments relative to the proposed project may be presented at the meeting or submitted to the Director of Project Development, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386, at any time on or before November 10, 2011. Comments may also be emailed on or before November 10, 2011 to [email protected].

AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA

El condado de Fort Bend y El Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDOT) conducirán una reunión pública con respecto a las mejoras propuestas al FM 1093 desde SH 99 hasta FM 1463 en el condado de Fort Bend. La reunión se llevará a cabo el 27 de octubre de 2011, en Seven Lakes High School, ubicada en 9251 South Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77494. El formato de la reunión será de foro abierta entre las horas de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

El propósito de esta reunión es para presentar el diseño y solicitar comentarios del público con respecto a la ampliación propuesto de la carretera FM 1093 desde SH 99 hasta FM 1463. La carretera existente dentro de los límites consiste de dos carrilles no dividido. El proyecto propuesto consistiría de una autopista de cuota de cuatro carriles divididos y dos carriles de acceso sin pago de cuota.

En la reunión pública se pondrán en exhibición los mapas y el plan esquemático que muestren el diseño del proyecto propuesto. Los representantes del condado de Fort Bend, TxDOT y de su equipo de estudio estarán disponibles para contestar preguntas individuales. Se animan los comentarios públicos. El plan esquemático que demuestra los alternativas propuestos está archivada y disponible para la inspección publica en las oficinas del condado de Fort Bend ubicada en 1124-52 Blume Road, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 y en la oficina de TxDOT Houston District Office ubicada en 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. Las oficinas se encuentran abiertas de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., excluyendo los días festivos.

El derecho de vía adicional será requerido para el proyecto propuesto y algunas dislocaciones serán necesarias. El personal del derecho de vía de TxDOT estará disponible para discutir el programa de la ayuda de la relocalización que proporciona ventajas y los servicios para los que puedan ser desplazadas. La información sobre el horario tentativo de la adquisición del derecho de vía se puede obtener en la oficina de TxDOT Houston District Office.

Las personas interesadas en asistir a la reunión que tengan necesidades especiales de comunicación o de comodidad deben ponerse en contacto con la Oficina de Información Pública de TxDOT al 713-802-5072 con una anticipación no menor a dos días hábiles. La reunión será conducida en inglés. Las solicitudes para intérpretes de idiomas o otras necesidades especiales de comunicación también deben realizarse con no menos de dos días hábiles de anticipación. TxDOT hará cada esfuerzo razonable de acomodar estas necesidades.

Todos interesados son invitados a asistir esta reunión pública. Los comentarios escritos con respeto al proyecto propuesto se pueden presentar en la reunión o someter al: Director of Project Development, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386 o por correo electrónico a [email protected]. Todos los comentarios enviados se deben matasellar antes del 10 de noviembre de 2011.

APPENDIX B ADVERTISEMENTS/AFFIDAVITS

APPENDIX C PUBLIC MEETING PROGRAM Project Location Map

PUBLIC MEETING

For

FM 1093/Westpark Tollway Roadway Improvement Project From FM 1463 to SH 99 Fort Bend County, Texas

October 27, 2011 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Open House

Seven Lakes High School 9251 South Fry Road Katy, TX 77494

FM 1093/WESTPARK TOLLWAY MEETING NOTES ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This meeting will be in an Open House format beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. All attendees are asked to sign-in at the Sign-In table located at the entrance to the meeting.

Project Description Fort Bend County, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District, proposes to widen FM 1093 from FM 1463 to SH 99 in Fort Bend County, Texas. The proposed roadway improvement project would extend the existing Westpark Tollway (four-lane controlled access tollway with continuous non-toll frontage roads) from its current terminus at SH 99 through the FM 723 intersection. The toll lanes would terminate and tie into the non-toll frontage roads west of the FM 723 intersection. The four-lane divided facility would continue west through the intersection of Westheimer Lakes North Drive. West of Westheimer Lakes North Drive, the four-lane divided roadway would taper into the existing two- lane facility immediately east of the FM 1463/FM 359 intersection. Katy- Gaston Road and Spring Green Boulevard/FM 723, within the proposed project limits, would become grade-separated interchanges. Additional right- of-way would be required for the proposed project. The additional right-of- way would be obtained from private property and a portion of METRO right- of-way. Minimal displacements and relocations would be required as part of the proposed project. The proposed project length is approximately 4.2 miles and the proposed project construction is anticipated in 2013.

Purpose of Proposed Project The project improvements are proposed to increase safety, reduce congestion, and improve operational efficiency,

The public is invited to ask questions and submit comments regarding the proposed project. Comments may be submitted in writing. Comment forms are available at the Sign-In table. Written comments may be submitted this evening, electronically to [email protected], or mailed to the address below. All comments must be received or postmarked by November 10, 2011.

Texas Department of Transportation - Houston District Attention: Director of Project Development P.O. Box 1386 Houston, Texas 77251-1386

Mapa de Ubicación del Proyecto

REUNIÓN PÚBLICA

Para

FM 1093/Autopista de Peaje Westpark Proyecto Para Mejorar la Carretera Desde FM 1463 hasta SH 99 Condado de Fort Bend, Texas

27 de octubre, 2011 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Foro Abierto

Escuela Preparatoria Seven Lakes 9251 South Fry Road Katy, TX 77494

FM 1093/AUTOPISTA DE PEAJE WESTPARK NOTAS DE LA REUNIÓN PROYECTO PARA MEJORAR LA CARRETERA REUNIÓN PÚBLICA 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

Esta reunión será en un formato de foro abierto a partir de las 6:00 p.m., y termina a las 8:00 p.m. Todos los asistentes se les pide que se registren en la mesa de registro, ubicada en la entrada de la reunión.

Descripción del proyecto El condado de Fort Bend, en conjunto con el Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDOT) Distrito de Houston, propone ampliar FM 1093 desde FM 1463 hasta SH 99 en el Condado de Fort Bend, Texas. El proyecto propuesto es para mejorar la carretera, ampliaría la autopista existente de peaje Westpark (autopista de impuesto de cuatro carriles de acceso controlado con caminos sin peaje de acceso continuo) desde su terminal actual en la carretera SH 99 a través de la intersección de FM 723. Los carriles de peaje terminarían y conectaran con los caminos sin peaje laterales al oeste de la intersección de FM 723. La instalación de cuatro carriles divididos se continuara hacia el oeste, a través de la intersección de Westheimer Lakes North Drive. Al oeste de Westheimer Lakes North Drive, la carretera de cuatro carriles se acabara en la instalación de dos carriles existente, inmediatamente al este de la intersección de FM 1463/FM 359. Katy-Gaston Road y Spring Green/ FM 723, dentro de los limites del proyecto propuesto, se convertiría en intercambios de grado separado. Derecho de vía adicional se requeriría para el proyecto propuesto. El derecho de vía adicional se obtendría de propiedad privada, y una porcion de derecho de vía de METRO. Desplazamientos mínimos/reubicación se requieren como parte del proyecto propuesto. La extensión del proyecto es de aproximadamente 4.2 millas, y la construcción del proyecto propuesto se prevé en 2013.

Propósito del Proyecto Propuesto Las propuestas para mejorar el proyecto son para aumentar la seguridad, reducir la congestión, y mejorar la eficiencia operativa.

El público está invitado a hacer preguntas, y someter comentarios respecto al proyecto propuesto. Los comentarios pueden ser sometidos por escrito. Formularios de comentarios están disponibles en la mesa de registro. Los comentarios escritos pueden ser presentados en esta noche, por vía electrónica a [email protected], o por correo a la siguiente dirección. Todos los comentarios deben ser recibidos o con sello postal, para el 10 de Noviembre, 2011.

Texas Department of Transportation - Houston District Attention: Director of Project Development P.O. Box 1386 Houston, Texas 77251-1386

APPENDIX D PHOTOGRAPHS FM 1093 PUBLIC MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2011 SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL

Viewing west to the intersection of FM 1093 and Katy-Gaston Road

Viewing north at the esplanade to the back entrance of Seven Lakes High School