About
TxDOT is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Regional Parkway – North Padre Island project in Nueces and Kleberg Counties, Texas. The proposed project would explore potential route options for a proposed new crossing from the mainland, across the Laguna Madre/Corpus Christi Bay to North Padre Island. The study limits are from SH 286 on the mainland to PR 22 on North Padre Island, a length of approximately 13 to 16 miles.
Study area map with proposed routes, current as of July 14, 2024 .
Please note that the route options currently under consideration are not final. The proposed route options are subject to change as we move forward through the EIS process.
TxDOT is trying to address:
- Lack of resiliency in the existing transportation network
- Limited routes for traffic traveling to/from Corpus Christi and the Islands, especially during emergencies, incidents, and hurricane evacuations
- Operational and safety issues
- Seasonal congestion along SH 358/PR 22
Anticipated Project Timeline
*This timeline is approximate and subject to change.
Advancement to right-of-way acquisition, utility adjustments, detailed design, and project construction is contingent upon the results of the environmental process and funding availability.
TxDOT is currently in the Environmental Study and Schematic Design phase which is expected to take approximately two years. During this phase, alternatives will be analyzed, schematic design will be developed, environmental effects will be determined, and continuous stakeholder and public involvement will be conducted. This effort will ultimately lead to an environmental decision.
Project History
The Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has conducted several route planning studies that have informed TxDOT’s current environmental study. The Corpus Christi MPO is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the greater Corpus Christi area.
- 1999: The MPO developed the South Loop Transportation Study which included a proposed corridor that extended to the island via a new crossing of the Laguna Madre.
- 2013: The MPO, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County and San Patricio County sponsored and completed the Regional Parkway Mobility Corridor Feasibility Study which recommended a single corridor divided into seven segments from I-37 to PR 22.
- 2017: The MPO and the City of Corpus Christi developed the Regional Parkway Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study which further refined two of the original seven segments from the 2013 feasibility study.
Resources
Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization Documents
Adjacent Project
TxDOT and other area transportation agencies are working to improve safety and mobility in the Corpus Christi region. Learn more about the transportation projects adjacent to Regional Parkway – North Padre Island.
Relevant Resources
Environmental Study
What is the study process?
TxDOT is required to assess the environmental effects of the project prior to making any decisions and the process must adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or NEPA. TxDOT must obtain environmental clearance for the project in order to use federal funds to construct the proposed project.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
In compliance with NEPA, TxDOT is currently prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in order to identify the best possible route option and document potential impacts to the natural and human environment. The options considered as well as potential impacts identified will be presented to the public for consideration.
An EIS is the most rigorous study there is for transportation projects. This document serves as an analysis of potential impacts to the human and natural environment, and it is anchored by transparent decision-making and ample public involvement opportunities. An EIS involves a data driven evaluation, resource agency coordination and public involvement.
Once the most reasonable route options are identified, TxDOT is required to complete more in-depth traffic and travel demand analysis, and to complete an environmental study which includes in-person field assessments and surveys in areas where landowners have agreed to allow access. The purpose of the assessments is to determine locations of resources such as wetlands, floodplains, and culturally sensitive areas.
Schematic Design
During this EIS, TxDOT will prepare a preliminary roadway design, called a schematic, for the proposed route(s) that move forward into the formal analysis.
Evaluating Environmental Impacts
Included in EIS development is a federally required evaluation of potential environmental impacts. The identified route option and design will be studied to determine impacts to air quality, archeological resources, biological resources, community assets, property, hazardous materials, historic resources, protected lands (parks), traffic noise and water resources, among other considerations.
Public Involvement
Public involvement is a critical component to TxDOT’s efforts to identify the best possible route option, and the study team welcomes all comments from the community as we move forward through this process. During the EIS process, there will be multiple meetings for the public to learn more, ask questions, and provide comment.
Anticipated timeline for the study
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Downloads
Documents available for download regarding the ongoing environmental study:
- Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS, dated Aug. XX, 2024 <link to PDF> (placeholder for now)
- Draft Agency Coordination Plan, dated Aug. XX, 2024 <link to PDF> (placeholder for now)
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 9, 2019 and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Purpose and Need
The project’s “purpose and need” statement is the heart of an Environmental Impact Statement. TxDOT is considering the proposed project’s purpose, or what TxDOT is trying do, as well as the project’s need, or what is the problem TxDOT is trying to solve.
The current draft “purpose and need” statement is available for public review and comment as part of the upcoming public scoping meeting.
What is TxDOT trying to do?
- Improve access to emergency services, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure especially in times of emergency response (hurricane evacuation).
- Facilitate regional mobility, connectivity, and system linkages.
- Address operational and safety issues.
- Improve mobility and provide travel options especially during peak season travel demand.
What problem is TxDOT trying to solve?
- Lack of resiliency in the existing transportation network.
- Limited routes for traffic traveling to/from Corpus Christi and the Islands, especially during emergencies, incidents, and hurricane evacuations.
- Operational and safety issues.
- Seasonal congestion along SH 358/PR 22.
Proposed Alternatives
TxDOT currently has identified five preliminary build alternatives based on known corridor constraints, valuable information obtained from the previous planning studies, and ongoing analyses of current traffic conditions and needs.
As part of the process, TxDOT is seeking feedback on these alternatives at the upcoming public scoping meeting. Based on public and agency feedback, these alternatives will be refined and further analyzed as part of the environmental study.<insert image>
Study area map with proposed routes, current as of July 14, 2024
Please note that the route options currently under consideration are not final. The proposed route options are subject to change as we move forward through the EIS process.
An alternatives analysis process will be followed to refine and narrow down these routes to a final build alternative that is explored in depth in the EIS. This process considers agency and public comment, data identification and evaluation, and the evaluation of impacts.
No-Build Alternative
The environmental process also includes a no-build, or “do nothing,” alternative.
- The No-Build Alternative is a baseline for comparison and an option that remains on the table.
- Should the project not be built, SH 358 and PR 22 would continue to exist as they do today and would continue to receive standard, routine maintenance.
- Any proposed adjacent or nearby project included in regional transportation plans may still be built.
- The John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway would continue as the only direct route that connects North Padre Island with Corpus Christi.
- The heavily used ferry system in Port Aransas would continue as the only alternate way to travel to and from North Padre/Mustang Islands.
It is important to note that this No Build Alternative does not meet the project’s purpose and need.
Agency Coordination
Agencies and their roles in the environmental process
Many resource agencies participate in the development of an Environmental Study at local, state, and federal levels. As lead agency, TxDOT has invited resource agencies and tribal nations to be involved in the environmental process as cooperating or participating agencies.
Agency coordination is one of the first steps of the EIS process. An agency scoping meeting was held on June 18, 2024, in advance of the publishing of a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register.
How does a Cooperating Agency differ from a Participating Agency?
- Cooperating Agencies are federal and state resource agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, and US Fish and Wildlife Service that have jurisdiction by law. Tribal governments are also considered cooperating agencies. Responsibilities of a Cooperating Agency are similar to participating agencies but also include assisting in the preparation, coordination, and review of the EIS document.
- Participating Agencies are state and local resource agencies like Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the local county and cities that have an interest in the project. Responsibilities of a Participating Agency include providing comments, responses, studies, or methodologies on those areas within the special expertise or jurisdiction of the agency; and using the process to address any environmental issues of concern to the agency.
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Documents available for download regarding the ongoing environmental study:
Draft Agency Coordination Plan, dated Aug. XX, 2024 <link to PDF> (placeholder)
Multimedia
Maps
<study area map>
Study area map with proposed routes, current as of July 14, 2024
Environmental Constraints Maps
Before building roadway improvements, TxDOT must assess and avoid environmental constraints where possible. To the greatest extent feasible, TxDOT would avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts.
The study team identified available information, including mapping and databases from agency websites along GIS data layers to develop natural resources and human environmental constraints maps of the study area and its surroundings. These maps provide an overview of important features and resources for early consideration in the environmental planning process.
Due to the number of resources, the team divided the printed constraints maps into two different categories; one features the potential environmental constraints from the human and built environment and the other features natural resources.
Public comment will be requested on these maps at the public scoping meeting, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 3, 2024.
(snapshot of environmental constraints maps - pending)
Environmental constraints maps with proposed routes, current as of July 14, 2024
- Review and download: Human and built environment constraints map, current as of July 14, 2024 <link to pdf> (placeholder)
- Review and download: Natural resources environment constraints map, current as of July 14, 2024 <link to pdf> (placeholder)
- Review: Online interactive web map, current as of July 14, 2024 <link to online web mapper> (placeholder)
- Review and download: Guidance for how to use online interactive web map <link to pdf> (placeholder)
If you would like to review these maps with a team member, you are welcome to contact us to schedule a meeting. <link to contact us form>
Get Involved
Upcoming News and Events
A
public scoping meeting will be held on Oct. 3, 2024.
Past News and Events
A Notice
of Intent to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register and the
Corpus Christi Caller-Times on DATE, XX, 2024. <link to pdf documentation>
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Newsletter
TxDOT periodically sends out e-newsletters and other announcements to keep the public, agencies, and other interested parties up to date on important activities and events surrounding the Regional Parkway – North Padre Island Environmental Study. Sign up for these updates by clicking here <link to sign up for updates form>.
An archive of E-newsletters is also provided below.
Newsletter Archive
Aug. X, 2024 – TxDOT launches new environmental study <link to newsletter> (placeholder)
Sign up for updates (link to comment form???)
