Identified as a top priority during the development of the District’s Parks Master Plan, this portion of trail was the first phase of over two miles of planned trails to provide connectivity and recreation for District residents.
The purpose of this project was to convert the existing at-grade crossing of Brazoria County Road 56 (CR 56) and State Highway 288 (SH 288) into a diamond interchange that includes a new overpass bridge and providing access to the newly developed Meridiana Development. Coordination with TXDOT, area landowners, utility companies, and Brazoria County was integral in obtaining approval and acceptance of the project. The main design challenge for this project was to accommodate double intersections on the west side of SH 288 to tie into existing access roads with two-way traffic and a new southbound on-ramp within a close proximity. EHRA coordinated with TxDOT throughout the project from preliminary concepts for the intersection and bridge through final design and construction. Each component of this project was designed in accordance with TxDOT standards and criteria.
In 2006, Caldwell Companies sought to create Towne Lake as a community where residents and services could be connected by water. Their vision included boat docks and marinas augmenting traditional walking trails to navigate a vibrant residential community. EHRA was the perfect partner to take Caldwell Companies’ vision and create this livable suburban oasis.
EHRA completed preliminary engineering, phase one environmental site assessment and schematic development for the widening of Northpark Dr. between US 59 and Woodland Hills Dr. EHRA also provided program management, drainage analysis and design, traffic engineering, environmental documentation and schematic design for the roadway, as well as grade separation at the Loop 494/UPRR railroad crossing.
EHRA conducted traffic operations and access management studies for the Northpark Dr. corridor. This corridor is approximately 2.2 miles long and has major signalized and unsignalized intersections and driveways that access various subdivisions and industrial developments. These studies laid the groundwork for the widening of Northpark Dr. from a four-lane boulevard cross-section to a six-lane boulevard complete street. The new street design includes low impact development drainage, conventional drainage, a grade separation at the UPRR crossing with mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls, two at-grade crossings for bi-directional frontage access, reconstruction of two concrete bridges over a diversion channel, intersection improvements, a roadway-adjacent multiuse path and traffic signal improvements.
Drainage analysis and design included hydrologic and hydraulic studies of both existing and proposed conditions to demonstrate that proposed project components would not adversely affect the 100-year floodplain in the area. The roadway and traffic designs contained horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sections, plan and profile, sidewalk and bicycle accommodations, intersection layouts, traffic control plans and signing and pavement markings.
As the program management firm, EHRA coordinated with TxDOT, UPRR, the City of Houston Council District E, COH Planning and Development Department, COH Public Works and Engineering Department, Montgomery County, Harris County, HCFCD and area residents throughout the project.
The facility features an activated sludge process system. Additionally, the facility is equipped with an emergency standby diesel generator.
In 1936, soon after the reelection of President Roosevelt, my Great Grandfather, Truman Edminster, Sr., opened the doors of Edminster Engineering. He had no way of knowing that the legacy he began would become the EHRA we know today. One that would carry on long after him and for the next three generations of his family.
Since that November day in 1936, as any long-standing institution does, Edminster Engineering has seen ups and downs, good times and challenging times. We have had the great fortune to be involved with countless projects that have helped shape the Greater Houston region into the booming metropolis it is today. We have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with some of the most respected and talented ‘greats’ in our industry whom with we have weathered the ups and downs together for nearly nine decades.
We begin a year-long celebration to the continuing heritage begun by my Great Grandfather and carried forward by Truman Edminster, Jr. (my uncle), Terry Russ, Jr. (my father) and Truman Edminster, III (who still serves the firm today). We have gained momentum into the 21st Century which will propel EHRA for decades to come. Some may wonder what is our ‘secret sauce’; it is our legacy of service.
EHRA has always been focused on the experience and satisfaction of our clients and our team members. As we continue to grow and mature as a firm, and prepare to seamlessly pass the baton to the next generation, our top priority will not change. We have built a culture around taking care of people. It is who we are, and it is what we do.
It is our ultimate hope, wish and desire to continue the EHRA legacy for the next 85 years and beyond. We are confident that together the team will achieve that goal.
Here’s to a great New Year. Blessings to all, and to your families, in 2021!