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City engineers advance plan for driveway from Riverbank Road to World Trade import lot; TxDOT review pending
Summary
Engineering has prepared a driveway-style design to link Riverbank Road to the World Trade Bridge import lot. The bridge department reported an estimated cost of about $90,000; the design has been submitted to TxDOT and a maintenance agreement may be required.
City bridge staff updated the Board of Entry Advisory Committee on Feb. 19 about plans for a short driveway-style road connecting Riverbank Road to the World Trade Bridge import lot used by customs and carriers.
Engineering provided a drawing of the proposed route and staff said the design treats the connector as a driveway rather than a full TxDOT roadway standard, which reduces costs. The bridge department provided an estimated construction cost of about $90,000 for an asphalt driveway-type surface intended for passenger vehicles to access the import parking lot; staff said the route is not intended for trucks.
Committee members and staff said the property is TxDOT-owned, and bridge staff confirmed the design package has been turned over to TxDOT for approval. Staff said a memorandum of understanding or other agreement with TxDOT will be needed to clarify responsibility for upkeep and maintenance once the connector is in place.
Staff also discussed access controls to prevent the connector from becoming a local shortcut for neighborhood traffic or for truck staging. Port police and staff proposed signage limiting use to official business and physical barriers (short posts or gates) to prevent trucks from using the route.
Engineering timing and a start/finish schedule were not available at the Feb. 19 meeting; staff said the city assistant manager and senior engineer were unavailable at the meeting and that those details would be provided when TxDOT completes its review.
Ending Staff said they will continue coordinating with TxDOT and public works on design and possible cost savings and will report back to the committee with a construction schedule and final cost estimate when TxDOT completes its review.
