Summer 2016                                                                             Issue 6
HSBMPO Newsletter
In this issue:
  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
  • 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
  • Viva Streets Harlingen!
  • Hurricane Preparation
  • Completion of South Parallel Corridor Phase 1 (Dixieland Extension)
  • TxDOT Reports
  • Save The Date
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 

The Harlingen-San Benito MPO is currently working with the consultant HALFF Associates to develop a Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan. This plan will identify gaps in the existing infrastructure within the HSBMPO planning area and create recommendations for a complete, multi-modal, and user-friendly system of alternative transportation options such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails. Our goal is to connect users to the places they want to go to, including neighborhoods, downtowns, work centers, and bus stops. If you have any questions regarding this plan, please contact our office.

2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program
The Harlingen-San Benito MPO, as required by law, has transitioned from the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to the 2017-2020 TIP. This fiscally-constrained short-range planning document identifies federally and state funded inter-modal and multi-modal transportation projects for the MPO’s planning area. These projects include roadway improvements and/or additions, bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements and/or additions, as well as transit projects via coordination with Valley Metro. Financial summaries, project descriptions, and much more information is available within the TIP.
Viva Streets Harlingen!
We noticed the rapidly growing popularity of Ciclovias and Open Street projects across the nation and wanted the Harlingen area to benefit from these great initiatives. The HSBMPO is currently working on a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for our area cities and we felt that this was a great way to raise awareness and promote alternative modes of transportation.

On April 23rd, 2016, 1,500 smiles filled the car-free streets as we turned over a mile of Downtown Harlingen into a "paved park". This created a whole new atmosphere where some may have never imagined it before! Viva Streets Harlingen kicked off with a 5k Adventure Run/Walk presented by Footworks Start to Finish that had 460 participants. After the 5k the car-free streets stayed open, offering the community a safe route to explore cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, walking, and running on the streets instead of driving. We also had well over 50 sponsor activity booths for the whole family to interact with! Follow Viva Streets Harlingen on Facebook to stay up to date on healthy events in the Harlingen-San Benito MPO area.
Hurricane Preparation

June is the start of Hurricane Season which runs through November. Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure you prepare ahead of time and know where to go. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.

  • Enter the season prepared.
  • Know all evacuation routes if you live close the coast.
  • Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and that it has storm shutters.
  • Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
  • Have plenty of batteries and flashlights.
  • Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.
Completion of South Parallel Corridor Phase 1
(Dixieland Extension)

South Parallel Corridor: New Construction (CSJ: 0921-06-241) (LOCAL LET)
 
Cost:    $ 3,824,368.25                                    Project Length: 2.11 MILES
Contractor: Foremost Paving, Inc .             Working days:  200 Days (10 months)
Locally Let                                                    Work Started: May 21, 2015
            
Project Manager: Andres Espinoza, P.E.
 
Limits From FM 1479 To FM 509
 
South Parallel Corridor (Phase 1) is now open to the public. The corridor runs parallel to I-69E-U.S. 77/83- from FM 1479(Rangerville Road) to FM 509(Paso Real). The route will allow motorists an alternative route in the area as well as connect traffic from Los Indios, the Los Indios Free Trade Bridge and the commercial areas of Harlingen and San Benito.
TxDOT Reports
DATE: April 4, 2016
Harlingen-San Benito MPO
Project Status Report:

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (ESTIMATED TOTAL COST ($54,185,042.49)

 
A)  US 281: Roadway Rehabilitation and Widening (CSJ: 0220-03-028)
 
Cost  $ 7,709,997.35                              Project Length: 3.863 MILES
Contractor: ASAGO, LLC                        Working days: 400 Days (20 months)
September 2014 Letting                                   Work Started: June 11, 2015
Est.Completion Date:February 2017             Preconstruction Meeting: December 10,  2014
Project Manager: David Vera, P.E.
 
Limits :  From 0.05 MI W of FM 1479 To 0.24 MI E of FM 506
 

This project consists of rehabilitation and widening of existing road consisting of:
Grading, Lime Treatment, Subgrade, Flexible Base, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Pavement Markings & Striping

 
36.76 % Complete
51.50 % Time Used

 

 
B)  South Parallel Corridor: New Construction (CSJ: 0921-06-241) (LOCAL LET)
                                                                 
                                COMPLETED
 
C)   FM 106: Roadway Reconstruction (CSJ: 2243-01-009)
 
Cost:   $ 15,555,191                                           Project Length: 11.4 MILES
Contractor: Texas SAI, Inc.                             Working days:  420 Days (21 months)
September 2014 Letting                                 Work Started: November 9, 2015
Est. Completion Date: August 2017            Preconstruction Meeting:Sept. 17, 2015 
Project Manager: David Vera, P.E.
 
Limits:   From FM 1847 To FM 510
 
This project consists of reconstructing an existing roadway consisting of:
Roadway Realignment, Drainage Structures, Lime Treatment, Subgrade, Flexible Base, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Signing, Pavement Markings & Striping
 

13.13 % Complete
22.62 % Time Used
 
D)   BSIF AT LOS INDIOS (CSJ: 0921-06-208)
 
Cost:   $ 6,949,740                                                Project Length: .001 MILES
Contractor: Foremost Paving, Inc.                 Working days:  262 Days (13 months)
August 2014 Letting                                           Work Started: February 23, 2015
Est.Completion Date: February 2016            Preconstruction Meeting: January 8, 2015
Project Manager: Sergio Sustaita, P.E.
 
Limits:   At Los Indios Free Trade International Bridge
 
This project consists of the construction of a Border Safety Inspection Facility(BSIF) (Phase I): Drainage Structures, Lime Treatment, Subgrade, Flexible Base, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Concrete Pavement(Continuously Reinforced)(10”), Signing, Pavement Markings & Striping .
 
66.11 % Complete
106.11 % Time Used
 

E)   US 281: Roadway Rehabilitation and Widening (CSJ: 0220-03-027)
 
Cost  $ 5,229,349                                             Project Length: 2.789 MILES
Contractor: Foremost Paving, Inc.                 Working days:  380 Days (19 months)
December 2014 Letting                                     Work Started: February 18, 2015
Est.Completion Date: January 2017            Preconstruction Meeting:  February 10,  2015
Project Manager: David Vera, P.E.
 
Limits:  From 0.099 mi. E. of Hidalgo/Cameron County Line to 0.24 mi. E. of FM 506
 
This project consists of rehabilitation and widening of existing road consisting of:
Grading, Lime Treatment, Subgrade, Flexible Base, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Pavement Markings & Striping
 
42.42 % Complete
46.05 % Time Used


F)  1 & 2 CR Off System Bridge Replacements: (CSJ: 0921-06-248)
 
Cost  $ 1,371,237                                               Project Length: Varies
Contractor: Valley Infrastructure                   Working days:  240 Days (12 months)
December 2014 Letting                                    Work Started: February 2016
Est. Completion Date: N/A                                Preconstruction Meeting: November 19, 2015
Project Manager: David Vera, P.E.
 
This project consists of replacing two off system bridges and their approaches. One bridge is located on Kornegay Rd just south of FM 1561, and the other is located on Mile Line 20 Rd 0.5 MI E of Nelson Rd.
 
27.77 % Complete
16.67 % Time Used


G)  Bridge Rehabilitation (Rio Hondo Lift Bridge): (CSJ: 0630-02-041)
 
Cost  $ 12,406,043.30                                               Project Length: 0.117 MILES
Contractor: PCL Civil Contractors. Inc.                Working days: 651 Days (33 months)
July 2015 Letting                                                           Work Started: NA
Est. Completion Date: NA                                           Preconstruction Meeting: NA
Project Manager: Sergio Sustaita, P.E.
 
This project consists of bridge rehabilitation consisting of: Structural, mechanical, and electrical rehabilitation, fender repairs, bridge railing retrofit and channel bank improvements.
 
0.47 % Complete
0.00 % Time Used

H) Harrison Ave. & Tyler Ave: (CSJ: 0331-01-041), etc. Overlay
 
Cost  $ 1,139,116.59                                                Project Length: 3.606 MILES
Contractor: IOC                                                            Working days: 39 Days
July 2015 Letting                                                        Work Started: February 2016
Est. Completion Date: April 2016                           Preconstruction Meeting: September 9, 2015
Project Manager: David Vera, P.E.
 
This project consists of multiple overlays with two locations within the Harlingen MPO boundaries. The limits of the overlay on Harrison Ave. are Commerce St. to BUS 77. The limits of the overlay on Tyler Ave. are from Commerce St. to BUS 77. 
 
97.91 % Complete
64.10 % Time Used



DESIGN PROJECTS (ESTIMATED TOTAL COST $ 13.37 MILLION)
 
1.   South Parallel Corridor: CSJ: 0921-06-252 New Construction
 

This project consists of a new roadway connecting the South Parallel Corridor from FM 509 to FM 1577. Proposed typical sections will be given out at a later date. The current estimated cost is $9.57 million. This project has a tentative letting date of May 2016.
 

2.   US 281 Roadway Rehabilitation and Widening: CSJ: 0220-03-030

This project consists of rehabilitation and widening of existing road consisting of: Grading, Lime Treatment, Subgrade, Flexible Base, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Pavement Markings & Striping. The current estimated cost is $3.8 million.  This project has a tentative letting date of October 2016.
Limits: From 0.05 MI W of FM 1479 to FM 509.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting

Location : Lon C. Hill Building
                  502 E. Tyler St.
                  Harlingen, TX 78550
       Time : 10:00AM
       Date : June 30, 2016
                  July 28, 2016
                  August 25, 2016 

Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) Meeting

Location : Harlingen City Hall
                  118 E. Tyler St.
                  Harlingen, TX 78550
      Time : 2:00PM
      Date : June 8, 2016
                 July 13, 2016
                 August 10, 2016