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Port of Houston official warns roadways must keep pace with freight growth, urges faster federal timelines
Summary
Callie Barnes of the Port of Houston told La Porte council that regional freight volumes and planned port projects will increase truck traffic and that accelerated environmental review and new funding are needed to avoid long traffic and safety impacts.
Callie Barnes, director of freight mobility at the Port of Houston, told the La Porte City Council that rapid freight growth and port expansion make road improvements urgent for the region.
Barnes said the port’s activity already generates substantial economic value and will put more pressure on local roadways: "When I first came about 7 months ago... about $906,000,000,000 to the nation's economy," she said, adding that the port is projected to grow significantly and that truck volumes between terminals already top about 13,000 trucks per day. Barnes described multi‑phase projects — including the 02/25 corridor environmental work, direct connectors and Bayport Southern Access Road phases — and said Port of Houston is pursuing grants and stakeholder engagement to move unfunded segments forward.
Barnes highlighted a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study and a pending BUILD grant application to fund initial segments and said the port is coordinating with TxDOT and regional partners to seek federal and state support. "We are already very, very behind," she told council members, noting the Speed Act as a possible mechanism to shorten NEPA timelines and speed delivery of projects.
Council members asked about alternatives such as rail or barge options for moving containers; Barnes said rail capacity and transfer costs make rail less feasible for many regional moves and described efforts to pursue grants, engage Houston‑Galveston Area Council, and continue advocacy at the Texas Transportation Commission. She also described near‑term construction impacts (one project she referenced continues through 2028) and emphasized continued outreach and port tours to illustrate truck congestion for decision‑makers.
The presentation concluded with staff and council agreeing to keep La Porte informed as planning and grant opportunities evolve. The Port presentation and Q&A occupied a major portion of the evening agenda and set the context for later subdivision and truck‑routing discussions.
