Northpark Drive Mobility Project

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.

Greens Bayou Trail Phase 3

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.

Ventana Lakes Development

Project totaled 640 acres including 1256 Residential Lots. EHRA designed, created construction plans, publicly bid and preformed Construction management.

MUD 188

EHRA planners, hydrologists and landscape architects worked together to propose an alternative use for the space, re-developing the basin into an amenity pond. EHRA carefully selected native plant materials for both their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the basin as well as providing filtration for improved storm water quality.

West Road Phase 2 Sidewalk

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.

6 August 2021

One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

Munroe Kelsay, RPLS Senior Survey Project Manager

My trek into the land surveying field is probably different than most people’s. I already had a degree in electronics and was working in Colorado when an accident happened that changed mine and my family’s lives forever. A backhoe fell on me and broke both my back and hip and had me laid up in bed wondering what I was going to do. I had asked a friend of mine if he were going to change professions what would he do. Of all things, he told me he would go into surveying. At the time, I had no idea what surveying was about, but little did I know that the best surveying school was located in Denver, Colorado; so, with four little kids and a wife at home, I enrolled in the next semester to start my new career (When God closes one door, he opens another).

I truly enjoy all aspects of the surveying profession, from the math, legal, CAD to the very cool “toys” that we get to use on a regular basis. When I started using GPS in the early 90’s, I thought that that would probably be the last thing I would have to learn within this profession. Much to my surprise, I was very wrong. I now oversee our drone LiDAR team at EHRA Engineering and the learning never stops.

Surveying is never dull and every project has its own unique challenges that I greatly enjoy. I’ve never once regretted changing professions and can honestly say that looking back, I am thankful for my accident and the new life that it brought me. Had the accident not happened, I would not be where I am today, nor would my three sons be in the surveying profession as well. My oldest son is an SIT and will be taking his RPLS exam soon. My middle son will soon be a junior party chief and my youngest is a survey CAD technician. God has truly blessed me and my family and I’m thankful every day for having found EHRA and the wonderful relationships that I have formed while working here. I guess my only regret is not having found this passion and EHRA earlier in my career.