Public meeting (https://engagetxdot.mysocialpinpoint.com/36a-south-public-scoping-meeting) was held today.
This is a new freeway along the west and southwest side of exurban Houston. This project has a planning failure similar to US 380 in Collin County (north Dallas): TxDOT waited too long to define a route, and due to development it will be difficult to get a freeway through. TxDOT needs to move fast to preserve a corridor, and the schedule shows a ROD in summer of 2028.
Observations
- The cross section shows a 450-foot-wide (137m) corridor. That's good news. But if they decide on an eastern route, they'll probably need to slim the corridor in certain areas to minimize displacements.
- The cross section view says "intermittent frontage roads will be constructed by others". This is unusual. I don't think I've ever seen this policy statement on a freeway. Or, this could be a clue that TxDOT expects it to be a toll road, although TxDOT is generally administratively prohibited from building newly-designated toll roads.
- Alternatives range from mostly direct to horribly indirect (Alt 3).
- For all alternatives there are only two crossing points at I-10: Woods Road east of Brookshire, and just west of Brookshire where there is a wide median. This project will interface with a separate project north of I-10, so TxDOT appears to have decided on two possible alignments at I-10. While Woods Road is more developed around I-10, following the Woods Road corridor directly north of I-10 is totally clear of development for a very long distance, which suggests Woods Road may have an advantage for interfacing to the north project.
- Alt 1 looks the best for directness and efficiency, but it goes through residential areas near FM 1093 (which is the Westpark Tollway) and near the center of Fulshear. I think this will face serious opposition, and be more expensive. The Brazos River crossing looks like it will need a sharp curve to get a right-angle crossing.
- Alt 3 and Alt 7 also go through Fulshear, so they have the same problems as Alt 1 and are likely non-starters.
- Alts 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 appear to be the feasible. The I-10 crossing point will be a major deciding factor, with 2 and 4 west of Brookshire, and 5, 6, 8 at Woods Road east of Brookshire.
- It's possible new routes or variations will be developed in the next phase of the environmental process.
Link to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alternatives.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alternatives.webp)
Link to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_1_2.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_1_2.webp)
Llnk to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_3_4.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_3_4.webp)
Llnk to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_5_6.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_5_6.webp)
Link to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_7_8.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/Alt_7_8.webp)
Llink to full size (https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/36A-cross-section.webp)
(https://dfwfreeways.blob.core.windows.net/photos/36A-cross-section.webp)
Is this the southern section of the Prairie Parkway?
Quote from: Chris on August 27, 2025, 05:07:30 AMIs this the southern section of the Prairie Parkway?
Generally speaking, yes.
However, I believe the Prairie Parkway was discussed to be between I-10 (around Brookshire) and US 290 (around Hempstead), and I'm not aware that there was any discussion of extending it south of I-10.
I also don't know if the Prairie Parkway name is still being used. I think it is not used, but we'll find out when there is a public meeting for the north section. Environmentalists have opposed the route because it crosses through the Katy Prairie, and using the word "prairie" might be bad for marketing.
I seem to remember, maybe around 20 years ago, that there was consideration of extending the Westpark Tollway along FM 359 from Fulshear to Brookshire. That idea was rejected, and there was no public meeting, if my memory is correct. (I was not living in Houston at that time.)
I wonder if TXDOT might transfer TX-36A/Prairie Parkway to FBCTRA to speed the development of this project?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on August 28, 2025, 06:25:34 AMI wonder if TXDOT might transfer TX-36A/Prairie Parkway to FBCTRA to speed the development of this project?
FBCTRA already has more projects on its planning list than it can handle. I don't think FBCTRA has the financial strength to issue the bonds needed for their existing plans
1. Extension and possible expansion of the Westpark Tollway.
2. Extension of the Fort Bend Parkway over the Brazos River to SH 36
3. Construction of the Grand Parkway between I-69 and SH 288 (segment C), which will probably cost around $2 billion.
Realistically, I think TxDOT needs to take control the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County so FBCTRA can focus on the Fort Bend Parkway and Westpark Tollway.
As for 36A, it will be expensive and TxDOT won't have the money to build it any time soon. For now, the alignment need to be identified and right-of-way needs to be purchased.