INTERSTATE 14 (I-14) TXDOT PERSPECTIVE Bobby Littlefield, P.E. Waco District Engineer March 16, 2016 Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization FAST Act – Central Texas 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 Fort Hood, 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 Louisiana 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.