TEXAS FREIGHT MOBILITY PLAN: PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Transcription

1 TEXAS FREIGHT MOBILITY PLAN: PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS Texas Freight Advisory Committee Lufkin May 8, 2014 May 8, 2014 Preliminary Recommendations May 8, 2014

2 Outline of Presentation Texas Freight Mobility Plan (TFMP) Development Process Current and Future Conditions Needs and Gaps Recommendations Key Recommendations that Meet Identified Needs Policies Projects Programs Discussion on Other Policies, Projects, and Programs Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

3 TFMP Development Process Current and Future Conditions Needs and Gaps Preliminary Recommendations Implementation Plan Stakeholder Outreach and Input Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

4 Preliminary Recommendations Recap from Fort Worth TxFAC Briefing Presented updated version of Preliminary Freight Network Presented suggested framework to be used to develop the recommendations Framework based on 9 topic areas System Capacity System Operations Safety/Security Intermodal/Rural Connectivity Energy/Environment Education/Public Awareness Public/Private Sector Coordination Funding/Financing NAFTA and Border/Ports-of-Entry Initial discussion of potential needs and strategies, as well policies, projects, and programs that will result from the TFMP Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

5 Preliminary Recommendations Key follow up from Fort Worth TxFAC Briefing Intermodal/Rural Connectivity Intermodal and Rural Connectivity separated into two topic areas, effectively creating 10 rather than 9 areas Expand Rail and Maritime recommendations Continuing to identify additional rail and maritime recommendations with distinct programs and projects Get direct input/data on recommendations from TxFAC and other freight system users Meetings are taking place with freight system users and owners (ports, rail, TxDOT divisions, etc.) Non-TxDOT facilities and responsibilities (DPS, CBP, TxDPS, etc.) are critical to the efficient movement of freight Continued identification of champion/leader for each recommendation (including non-txdot) Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

6 Freight Highway, Rail, and Maritime Network Recommendations Current Plans and Initiatives Current and Future Network Conditions and Performance Current/Forecast Freight Activity and Volume Stakeholder Engagement Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

7 Proposed Recommendations Framework Three categories of recommendations Policies/ Institutional Programs Projects Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

8 Development of Recommendations Framework Identify Policies and Projects Begin to assign them to existing (or new) programs (responsibility and leadership) Must address at least one of the topic areas previously identified Iterative process, with continued input from: TxFAC Freight system users (rail, port, trucking) TxDOT and other state agencies/divisions Other stakeholders Eventually prioritized and integrated into the overall implementation plan Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

9 Aligning Preliminary Recommendations with Needs and Gaps Recommendations Should Help Address Single or Multiple Needs or Gaps Recommendations System Capacity System Operations Safety/Security Intermodal Connectivity Rural Connectivity NAFTA and Border/Ports-of-Entry Energy/Environment Education/Public Awareness Public/Private Sector Coordination Funding/Financing Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

10 Current Status of Recommendations Development Progress identifying Policies, Projects, and Programs Ongoing discussions with TxDOT divisions and other stakeholders to further identify projects What do we want to focus on today? Review how policies, programs and projects have addressed identified needs; Identify projects and programs that are critical to achieving key policies; and Identify new policies, programs, and projects, Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

11 1) System Capacity Recommendations - Maritime Implement strategies, policies, and programs to increase the use of the GIWW Pursue partnerships to ensure the GIWW is maintained to a 12 depth and needed capital improvements are made Consider expanding the width of the GIWW from the currently authorized 125' to 150' Deepen and maintain the Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW) & GIWW Continue to pursue port improvement, access, and channel deepening projects Replace the US 171 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi Deepen key Texas Ports to 50 to accommodate larger ships and improve efficiency Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

12 1) System Capacity Recommendations - Rail Explore public-private partnership to expand double track on Rail Freight Network Sinco Junction to Harrisburg Junction BNSF Mykawa sub TRE - Tower 55 to Hurst Remediate rail crossings on Texas Freight Network Federal Road over PRTA railroad (Houston) US 181 and US 77 (Corpus Christi) Expand rail capacity to improve rail fluidity and ease traffic congestion Add 2nd span to Neches bridge (UP) Dayton Wye (BNSF-UP 50/50 Line) Identify and develop potential new rail corridors Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

13 1) System Capacity Discussion (1) Suggested Policy Recommendation: TxDOT should work with the railroads, ports, and other stakeholders to support needed rail capacity projects to accommodate increases in imports and exports How should TxDOT accomplish this? What is their role? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

14 1) System Capacity Recommendations - Highway Expand capacity on the Freight Highway Network by developing minimum capacity standards for the Freight Highway Network Upgrade lanes on the Primary Freight Highway Network to 6 lanes (3 in each direction) Widen I-35 from Laredo to San Antonio to 6-lanes, 3 lanes in each direction Widen I-10 from Houston to San Antonio to 6 lanes, 3 lanes in each direction Widen I-45 between Houston and Dallas US 281 I-69 Upgrade lanes on the Secondary Freight Highway Network to 4 lanes (2 in each direction) Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

15 1) System Capacity Discussion Develop Primary Freight Network Interchange reconstruction and upgrade program to address obsolete designs, safety issues, and operational issues Identify and prioritize interchanges on Primary Freight Network that need to be upgraded Expand the development and implementation of Access Roads on the Primary Freight Network Identify and develop corridor segments on the Primary Freight Network for Access Roads implementation Identify and develop alternate or bypass routes for the Primary Freight Network I-35 at New Braunfels (Exit 193) I-20 at Wills Point (Exit 516) Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

16 1) System Capacity Recommendations - Highway Review and modify design standards on the Primary and Secondary Freight Highway Network to address freight mobility needs Raise TxDOT bridge minimum vertical clearance standard from 16 6 to 18 Develop a Texas Freight Network bridge reconstruction and replacement program to address deficient bridges, increase vertical clearance to accommodate OS/OW vehicles and to facilitate efficient freight movement Prioritize replacing bridges with a vertical clearance less than 14 to 18 on critical freight corridors Prioritize replacing bridges rated to carry less than the minimum of 80,000 lbs I-35 at New Braunfels (Exit 193) I-45 at Rice (Exit 238) Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

17 1) System Capacity Discussion (2) What System Capacity policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? There are several System Capacity policies related to establishing design standards Are there other design standards for the Texas Maritime, Highway or Rail Freight Network we should be considering? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

18 2) System Operations Recommendations Develop and implement statewide freight technologies-based solutions program Develop a Statewide Traffic Management Center focused on Freight needs disseminate freight traveler Develop a Statewide Traffic Incident Management Program for Commercial Vehicles Develop and implement Statewide Construction Coordination Program Develop and implement a freight movement signal timing/ coordination program for the Freight Network Improve coordination of signal timing on the Secondary Highway Freight Network Implement a system-wide review of signal connections and timings at rail crossings Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

19 2) System Operations Recommendations Develop Oversize/Overweight Freight Movement Program Identify and designate Oversize and Overweight Super Load Corridors Identify routes for Oversize and Overweight Loads on the Primary and Secondary Freight Network Identify improvements to the Primary Rail Network necessary to meet minimum 286k standards Develop an Access Management Plan for Secondary Freight Highway Network Develop barge operational improvement program on the GIWW Improve mooring and fleeting area capacity that is affecting the safety and efficiency of barge operations on the GIWW Upgrade or replace deficient floodgates and locks Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

20 2) System Operations Recommendations Develop Off-Peak and 24-hour Operation Program in cooperation with the freight industry Conduct pilot programs for off-peak delivery Encourage major freight generators to operate 24 hours Encourage trucks to use approved routes and/or suggested bypasses during peak periods Influence truck drivers to cross the international border at off-peak periods Develop CMV Managed-Use Lane program in cooperation with the freight industry Expand capacity on the highway network through dedicated or special use lanes for trucks (truck only lanes) Analyze utilization of HOV lanes for CMVs Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

21 2) System Operations Discussion What System Operations policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? Developing a dedicated and coordinated Freight ITS Program has been identified as a critical recommendation Who should lead in coordinating the projects or programs? There are several System Operations policies related to off-peak movement Who should lead the implementation of these policies? What projects should be undertaken to move these policies forward? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

22 3) Safety/Security Recommendations Expand Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Program Develop a program to identify and address high truck crash and truck rollover locations along the Freight Highway Network I-10 SH at 185 to US 62 SW (El Paso District) I-10 at I-410 to S of Bexar CL (San Antonio District) I-10 SH 99 to SBW8 through central Houston Others Develop truck parking and rest stop program Conduct a statewide truck parking needs analysis Review rest area designs to support cargo and driver safety and security Expand passenger rest area parking to include dedicated truck parking High Frequency Rollover Locations in Texas Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

23 3) Safety/Security Recommendations Review and modify design standards on the Primary and Secondary Freight Highway Network to address freight mobility needs Implement median barriers throughout the Texas Freight Network to minimize head-on crashes Implement rumble strips on the Texas Freight Network to minimize crashes and accidents Expand truck restrictions on the Primary Highway Freight Network to address safety concerns and improve reliability Develop Safety in the Freight Movement and the Economy Educational Campaign Communicate with public on how to safely drive with CMVs Communicate with public on how to safely maneuver at-grade rail crossings Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

24 3) Safety/Security Discussion What Safety/Security policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? There are various design standard recommendations included as part of this topic (rumble strips, safety barriers, etc.) TxDOT Traffic Safety Program currently noted as implementing division Is this correct? Who else should be involved? Design/Construction? Districts? Private Sector? Others What is the role of TxDOT in the truck parking programs? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

25 4) Intermodal Connectivity Recommendations Improve access to intermodal facilities and ensure proper geometric, signage, and signal for truck operations Access for the Kendleton, Texas Planned Industrial Park including a new U.S. 59 interchange over the KCS mainline and road realignments Access in and around the Wylie, Texas planned intermodal facility including possible grade separations over the KCS mainline Enhance Port-rail and rail-truck connections Identify and enhance routes and corridors that would provide connectivity for trucks La Quinta Intermodal Facility Robstown Inland Port of the Americas Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor Enhance/expand the role of shortline railroads Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

26 4) Intermodal Connectivity Discussion What Intermodal Connectivity policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? The expanded use of short line railroads has come up various times Are there specific projects that would support the policy of expanding the use of short-line railroads? Currently, a number of Intermodal Connectivity policies and projects are under the responsibility of local/regional agencies (TxDOT districts, MPOs, etc.) Should there be a larger statewide agency/division involved? If so, which one? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

27 5) Rural Connectivity Recommendations Continue the I-69 route designation and improvement program Complete I-69 connection along US 77 from I-37 to the Port of Brownsville Upgrade the US 69 corridor through Hardin, Tyler, and Jasper Counties to provide a four-lane roadway Explore public-private partnership opportunities to develop rail access to rural areas of the state Work with Rural Rail Transportation Districts to identify rural rail access needs and improvements Develop an energy sector transportation plan that identifies key corridors for investments Conduct an agriculture transportation needs assessment Identify and implement relief routes to ensure traffic flows in small towns on the Secondary Freight Network Identify and develop Critical Rural Freight Corridors Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

28 5) Rural Connectivity Discussion What Rural Connectivity policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? Specifically, what projects in the western part of the state can be identified (rail, highway, etc.) Is there a particular agency/division that should oversee progress on this topic? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

29 6) NAFTA and Border/Ports-of-Entry Recommendations Develop a dedicated International Border Freight Movement Coordination Program between industry and international, national, state, regional, local agencies Expand the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program, and the proposed express lane at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) inspection stations Pursue one-stop permitting and inspection between U.S. Customs and DPS Improve coordination between TxDMV and other permitting agencies Consider funding partnerships with Mexico, U.S. Customs, DPS, Department of Homeland Security, Mexican government, industry partners, etc. Collaborate to expand trusted shipper programs/ prescreening Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

30 6) NAFTA and Border/Ports-of-Entry Recommendations Develop a program to analyze current staffing and resource needs (local, state, and federal) at international freight border crossings Provide proper staffing, resource management, and appropriations for the construction or expansion of international border crossings Facilitate and incorporate technology-based solutions for international freight border crossings Increase use of Electronic Screening Implement a CMV Safety Data Exchange Increase use of Electronic Credentialing Establish Virtual Weigh Stations at appropriate locations Increase Electronic Entry and upload of inspections Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

31 6) NAFTA and Border/Ports-of-Entry Discussion What NAFTA and Border/Port-of-Entry policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? One of the most diverse/complicated topic areas Includes policies related to technology, capacity, operations, coordination, multiple modes, economic development, etc. Is there a particular agency/division that should oversee progress on this topic? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

32 7) Energy/Environment Recommendations Incorporate freight into the NEPA Purpose and Needs Statement for projects on the Freight Highway Network Develop an energy sector freight transportation plan to address transportation needs of the industry Coordinate with state agencies that review marine transportation-related projects Develop environmental policies that promote marine transportation in an environmentally sound and cost-constrained manner Encourage the Texas Coastal Management Program to place more emphasis on protecting navigation when reviewing permits for development along the GIWW Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

33 7) Energy/Environment Recommendations Support conversions to CNG for drayage and to LNG for long-haul (trucking and maritime) Develop Off-Peak and 24-hour Operation program in cooperation with the freight industry Encourage trucks to use approved routes and/or suggested bypasses during peak periods Identify strategies to encourage facilities to partner with the trucking industry so trucks can cross the international border at off-peak periods Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

34 7) Energy/Environment Discussion What Energy/Environment policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? Includes a diverse group of stakeholders Is there a particular agency/division that should oversee progress on this topic? MPOs Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TxDOT Others? What specific projects would gain the attention and participation of industry (especially oil/gas)? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

35 8) Education/Public Awareness Recommendations Develop Freight Movement and the Economy Educational Campaign Develop program to communicate the benefits of freight Expand the educational campaign to communicate with the public how to safely drive with CMVs Develop and implement a Texas Global Gateway marketing and information program Develop dedicated Freight Movement Signage Program for commercial vehicle operators on the Texas Highway Freight Network Clearly sign routes with low bridge heights Clearly identify load-restricted routes Establish a program led by the four U.S. border governors to promote the benefits of trade efficiencies at the state, national and international level Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

36 8) Education/Public Awareness Discussion What Education/Public Awareness policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? The Freight Movement and the Economy Educational Campaign policy is wide-ranging Educating on the economic importance of freight movement and industry Continued safety education Industry outreach Coordination with ITS Program How should these various policies and projects be coordinated? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

37 9) Institutional, Industry, and Interagency Cooperation Recommendations Increase cooperation between TxDOT and neighboring State DOTs, especially on warning signs for incidents occurring across state lines Improve traffic incident management coordination on Texas Primary Freight Network Establish clear statewide HazMat route Identify redundant or secondary routes along major corridors in the freight network Establish a Multimodal Freight and Economic Development Division at TxDOT, with appropriate staffing and resources Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

38 9) Institutional, Industry, and Interagency Cooperation Recommendations Encourage local and statewide coordination on activities on the Freight Highway and Rail Network Encourage consistency of regulations with local jurisdictions along freight corridors Provide consistency in permitting and operations across local jurisdictions Improve local truck route connectivity to the Texas Freight Network Work with local officials to identify critical areas for freight infrastructure preservation (industrial, waterfront, intermodal, etc.) Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

39 9) Institutional, Industry, and Interagency Cooperation Discussion What Institutional, Industry, and Interagency Cooperation policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? What types of projects would an enhanced TxDOT Multimodal Division be responsible for? Many freight movement issues that have been discussed are local in nature: Truck parking and routes, land use policies, 24-hour operations How should those local dynamics be addressed in the TFMP, and what is the role of TxDOT? MPOs? TxDOT districts? Others? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

40 10) Funding/Financing Recommendations Develop and present a coordinated and unified approach in seeking port facility funding Coordinate with TxDOT, ports, and the legislature to seek funding for the Port Access Account Fund and the Port Capital Program Advocate for additional federal funding of the Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance budget for Texas Utilize public-private sponsorships to support freight infrastructure development Increase public-private partnerships to support railroad expansion Develop funding and maintenance strategies to address energy sector impacts on state and county roads Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

41 10) Funding/Financing Recommendations Research innovative and alternative funding options to support freight infrastructure development Explore opportunities for a dedicated freight and economic development project funding category within the existing UTP funding categories Investigate the potential for securing additional rural transportation funding from non-traditional/non-transportation agencies (federal and state) related to agriculture, veteran s affairs, health and human services Research foreign direct investments in improving freight infrastructure Explore opportunities for funding the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund Explore opportunities for funding the Port Access Account Fund and the Port Capital Program Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

42 10) Funding/Financing Discussion What Funding/Financing policies are missing? What key projects or programs are missing, and what policy element would they support? Should the state explore a dedicated funding source for all freight improvement projects, or should they be distinct by mode and/or facility? What low/no-cost policies, projects, or programs can be implemented with an immediate effect? How should funding availability/capability be considered in project selection or prioritization? Benefit/cost evaluation? Percentage of private sector contribution or funding source? Not at all? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

43 TxDOT s Freight Planning Capacity and Program Expansion Develop a multi-modal freight and economic development within TxDOT to address freight and economic development issues Expand TxDOT s freight modeling capacity and capabilities Develop a freight data collection and warehousing program Develop freight analysis tools Continue integration of freight into TxDOT s overall planning, programming, and implementation process Developing and implementing TxDOT s Freight Academy Continuing TxDOT s Internal Technical Freight Working Group Continue engagement of the private sector in TxDOT s freight planning Process through Texas Freight Advisory Committee Texas Freight Leadership Summit Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

44 TxDOT s Freight Planning Capacity and Program Expansion Conduct strategic freight/logistics studies on key Primary Freight Network Corridors to examine strategies that can be employed from a planning and infrastructure development perspective to facilitate economic development and economic competitiveness opportunities for communities along the corridors I-69 Corridor I-45 Corridor I-20 West I-37 Corridor I-35 Corridor Conduct a regional study covering San Antonio, Corpus Christi, the Valley, and Laredo to assess the transportation needs of the energy sector and its impacts on freight transportation Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

45 TxDOT s Freight Planning Capacity and Program Expansion Conduct a statewide study to address the linkage between freight transportation and economic competitiveness Conduct studies to assess current and future freight clusters and their role in Texas economic competitiveness Incorporate freight considerations into existing corridor studies on the freight network to identify specific freight needs, challenges, and solutions Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

46 Discussion Although several Policies have been identified under programs/responsibilities, many are missing supporting Projects: Planning and Strategic Policy Programs Undefined Programs Non-TxDOT Programs Maritime Program Rail Program Others What key Projects or other Programs would you recommend to help support the policies? What other Policies are missing? Preliminary Recommendations May 8,

47 Next Steps Meet with TxDOT Divisions and Districts Refine Recommendations Stakeholder Input Listening Sessions Draft Final Recommendations Preliminary Recommendations May 8, 2014

48 THANK YOU! Preliminary Recommendations May 8,