Projects
US 290 / SH 36 Schematic – Freeway Interchange
Brenham, TX
PGAL was the prime consultant for this high-profile 5-mile schematic that included a multi-level interchange, highly-commercialized urban freeway sections, and a rural divided-highway portion.
Located on the west side of Brenham, Texas, this project served as a much needed direct bypass route around Brenham for traffic traveling between Houston and Austin along US 290. PGAL developed multiple alternatives to balance the high level of service needed for bypass traffic with the connectivity local Brenham traffic required to access their businesses and neighborhoods.
Five major alternatives were developed by PGAL and analyzed using multiple operational analysis methods and comprehensive traffic modeling of the corridor. These alternatives included an elevated Diverging-Diamond intersection over SH 36, R-Cuts (Restricted Cross U-turns) through the rolling terrain of the rural section, and an innovative hybrid mainlane frontage road bridge for continuous frontage road connectivity over the UPRR Railroad .
PGAL also managed the extensive public involvement and right-of-way efforts engaging impacted property owners, businesses, and the City of Brenham, culminating in 77 parcel acquisitions. Dozens of individual MAPOs (meetings of affected property owners) were led by PGAL, communicating the project impacts and improvements to stakeholders and gathering public input to ensure the preferred alternative aligned with community needs.