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TxDOT study flags crashes, congestion on FM 1472 and explores elevated lanes, extension options
Summary
TxDOT and its consultants presented a feasibility study for FM 1472 Segment 1, citing crash rates above state averages, large truck volumes and travel-time increases; preferred alternatives include elevated main lanes between I-69 and Killam and consideration of a southward extension of FM 1472 to relieve I-69 congestion.
LAREDO, May 21 — TxDOT district staff and consultant NTech presented a feasibility study for FM 1472 Segment 1 to the MPO policy committee on Wednesday, reporting crash and congestion levels they described as well above statewide averages and outlining conceptual alternatives including elevated lanes and a potential southward extension.
Roger Gonzalez, project manager with NTech Civil Engineers, told the committee the study focuses on the roughly 7-mile segment from I-69 to about two miles north of FM 3338 and that public and stakeholder meetings were held earlier this year.
Key findings - Crash data: between Pan American Boulevard and Killam the study reported 407–412 crashes (compared with a statewide average cited as 242). Between Killam and I-69 the consultant reported 976 crashes, which the presentation said was multiple times the statewide average. The team said pedestrian exposures, absent sidewalks and heavy truck volumes contribute to safety concerns. - Traffic volumes and projections: the study used 2024 traffic volumes ranging approximately from 14,000 on the low end to about 51,000 nearer I-69 and modeled future growth to 2055. The consultant presented travel-time modeling showing a PM travel time of about 40 minutes today for a study segment that could grow to 90 minutes by 2035 and three hours by 2055 if no improvements are made. - Preferred alternatives: one public-favored alternative would elevate main lanes from I-69 to Killam with service/access roads beneath the structure to minimize right-of-way impacts. North of Killam the corridor allows wider right-of-way sections; typical sections shown include three through lanes each way plus three-lane frontage roads and a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The proposed typical section would require roughly 360 feet of right-of-way (about 60 feet additional in places). - Extension option: the consultant presented an origin–destination analysis suggesting that extending FM 1472 south of I-69 could divert a substantial share of traffic away from I-69 and reduce weaving and queuing at nearby I-69 connectors; preliminary modeling showed that the extension could materially reduce demand on I-69 and I-35 in modeled scenarios.
Public outreach and next steps - NTech said it will present a second public meeting on the study on June 17 at the Barbara Baskin Community Center and will continue refining recommended alternatives toward a 30% schematic. The study team requested continued stakeholder input and said more detailed traffic and environmental analysis is pending.
Speakers quoted in this article include only those listed in the transcript and speaker list.
