Texas Department of Transportation

Scope of Work: 

Public Involvement Strategy and Execution, Informed Consent (SDIC), Stakeholder and Issues Identification, Meeting Documentation, Writing Fact Sheets, Web Content, eNewsletters, Developed Public Involvement Plans and Summary Reports, Created Brochures and Outreach Materials, Reviewed Display Boards and Exhibits, Planned and Managed Open Houses

Overview:

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in cooperation with local and regional transportation partners, is working to identify strategies to improve the I 35 corridor in Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. The purpose of the Mobility35 program is to identify and implement effective short- and mid-term strategies to improve mobility and connectivity for multiple modes of transportation (automobiles, transit, trucks, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, etc.) along and across the I 35 corridor in the Capital Area.

In November 2013, TxDOT initiated the Mobility35 Williamson County Feasibility Study, focusing on the seven-mile segment of I 35 from north of SH 130 to RM 1431 in Williamson County. The goal was to identify concepts for enhancing safety, mobility, and system reliability. Improvements identified through this effort, as well as improvements being developed between RM 1431 and SH 45N, would together enhance I 35 operations for Williamson County.

Rifeline was asked to provide strategy for and execute public involvement activities to support the effort. Public outreach was accomplished through individual and small group stakeholder meetings, public Open Houses and online efforts, including website updates and Virtual Open Houses. Virtual Open Houses made it possible for visitors to review and provide input on the same materials that were made available at the in-person Open Houses from the Mobility35 website, www.mobility35.org.

Rifeline planned, executed, and reported on three rounds of public Open Houses. During the first round, public input was sought to identify specific problems and opportunities that should be studied. During the second round, public input was sought on the preliminary concepts being considered to improve mobility along and across I 35 within the study area. During the final round, the public was able to review information and provide feedback on the proposed program of projects identified to improve mobility along and across I 35 within the study area.

The outcome of the effort resulted in a list of future potential projects to increase mobility along the corridor. The projects can be implemented independently as funding becomes available, but collectively they will provide substantial benefit. To date, funding has been identified for some, but not all, Mobility35 projects.