Environmental Assessment for I-30 and SH 360

The I-30/SH 360 project proposed to reconstruct 5 miles of I-30 to add general purpose and managed lanes as well as reconstruct the interchange with SH 360.
Several environmental challenges accompanied the project such as extensive public and stakeholder involvement, sensitive receivers for traffic noise, and impacts to water resources and historic resources, including an adjacent historic cemetery and historic building with vibration-sensitive architecture.

Halff completed field surveys, prepared technical reports and an Environmental Assessment document, and conducted extensive public involvement to obtain environmental clearance in August 2015. Following the notice to proceed, Halff condensed the original schedule from 27 to 15 months, so the project would be cleared and eligible for special funding under Texas Proposition 1.

Although no right of way was needed from the adjacent historic Watson Cemetery, the frontage road design eliminated one of three access drives. Halff worked with the cemetery society to resolve all issues. Coordination with the Texas Historical Commission demonstrated the project would have no adverse effects.

A network of streams and old oxbows constrained the reconstruction of the I-30/SH 360 interchange. Halff expedited the schedule and minimized costs by completing detailed mapping of water features and developing a design that minimized impacts and avoided an individual permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.