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.
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.
EHRA assisted with the district creation of Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 126 to accommodate a ±329 acre master planned community located in northern Montgomery County in the City of Conroe, south of League Line Road, west of Longmire Road, and adjacent to Lake Conroe.
EHRA worked with the District to create a comprehensive Parks Master Plan, which included recommendations for the development of over two miles of hike/bike trails adjacent to local streets, and within flood control and utility pipeline easements. The District began implementation of the Plan by prioritizing the beautification of West Road, a major arterial street that runs through the District.
There are many different routes to take in engineering. Why did you choose this route? When I first started school, I quickly realized that my options were restricted due to economic reasons. I decided to join to the military to help pay for school expenses. Even though this is not a typical route, it was more than well worth it. It took me five years to complete my undergraduate studies and obtain my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler - Houston Engineering Center.
Did you always know you wanted to become a civil engineer? When I was in 9th grade, I was exposed to a class project that involved using nothing but straws, string and toothpicks to build a model bridge. This quickly sparked my interest in a field that involved construction. However, not clearly knowing the distinction between Engineering and Architecture, I chose Architecture straight out of high school. I quickly regretted this decision and decided to switch my major to Civil Engineering.
What was your favorite EHRA project that you’ve worked on and why? Northwest Park MUD Water Plant is my first project that I started working on at EHRA. Some aspects that have made this project both challenging and interesting include designing infrastructure around the existing blue creek subdivision, in a 0.75- acre site to include on-site detention. I was able to apply multiple concepts that I learned in engineering school, such as sizing detention and storm pipe calculations. Having all these constraints, and using concepts learned in engineering school made this project my favorite one that I've worked on.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three engineering tools would you want? Hammer, nails and a hand saw.
