TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
VISION
The Bay Area has a progressive transportation system which contributes to continuous economic growth. These land, sea and air systems begin with our local network and expand to regional access and active links to international markets. We have excellent preventive maintenance programs and planning to ensure smooth streets and traffic flow. Residents, as well as people from surrounding areas, frequently utilize public transportation for business, recreation and education. Port development, in conjunction with our strategic location, has allowed us to significantly increase the diversity and capacity of our international port. New highway links and direct jet flights enhance local business, tourism, and commerce with Mexico.
ACTIONS
ENSURE SAFE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT FLOW OF MULTIPLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (i.e. single occupancy vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, car/van pools, etc.)
City MPO and Planning should make efficient transportation through street/sidewalk improvements and maintenance a priority and should coordinate signalized intersections on all major arterials.
Access and exits to currently congested, unsafe areas should be widened or improved to ease congestion and make ingress/egress safer.
City plans should consider all roadways and rights-of-way as potential alternate mode routes to encourage people to commute via bicycling, walking, etc. These facilities should be well marked, signed, and properly maintained. There should also be direct, connective routes to areas of employment, schools, shopping, etc.
A strong public education program should be implemented to inform people of the benefits of using various modes of transportation, and encourage people to "share the road."
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIRECT JET FLIGHTS TO AND FROM CORPUS CHRISTI, INCLUDING KEY CITIES TO MEXICO
Take advantage of carriers with existing, established jet service hubs outside of Corpus Christi; i.e., Phoenix, Atlanta or Denver. These carriers could either proceed through Corpus Christi on their way to a final destination, or have a small extension route to Corpus Christi. With this process, Corpus Christi would no longer be at the end of a spoke, but would be within an existing HUB.
Establish commuter service to Monterrey, Mexico to take advantage of passengers initiating travel to Mexico on business from Corpus Christi, and/or create a "proceeding on to" effect to business travelers starting elsewhere and going to Mexico on business.
Fares for departing from or arriving at Corpus Christi must be more in line with fares in and out of San Antonio. This can only be realized by creating greater demand.
IMPROVE HIGHWAY LINKS TO MAJOR CITIES AND TO MEXICO VIA LAREDO AND THE VALLEY
Linking area highways with the proposed Interstate 69, the Super NAFTA Highway, intended to connect Canada with Mexico via Houston.
Designation of U.S. Highways 77 and 281 as north-south interstate highways for vehicles traveling to and from the Rio Grande Valley.
Designation of State Highway 44/U.S. Highway 59 as a single, east-west interstate from Laredo to the Port of Corpus Christi.
IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WITH SMALLER BUSES, 24 HOUR SERVICE, DOWNTOWN STREETCARS, AND EXPANSION OF SERVICE TO THE SURROUNDING REGION
Many people perceive riding a bus as a lack of social standing. RTA should "glamorize" riding a bus with some creative themes and routes. For instance, a "business persons" special bus which would service office districts with a ceiling mounted television broadcasting business news shows and various business journals distributed throughout the bus. This service could be advertised on television and local business journals showing people in business attire enjoying their commute to the office instead of fighting traffic and parking. A "bus to the beach" route where patrons can board with ice chests, beach balls, surf boards, etc. should also be considered and implemented.
Downtown streetcars on a rail system would be expensive to build, but a limited rail "ride-type" streetcar would probably be cost effective. Trolleys currently run on bayfront and downtown routes. An increase in use should be anticipated as tourism increases.
The Water Taxi service should be extended to the "T" Heads to give better access and visibility to this unique experience. The docking facilities should be moved to locations more in line with the sea wall so as to maximize use by locals and tourists alike.
PROVIDE SAFE TRANSPORTATION AND EVACUATION ROUTES, AS WELL AS SUPPORT FOR GROWTH, BY RAISING THE JFK CAUSEWAY
Adopt Shiner Moseley study which reflects increasing traffic to and from the Island, but inadequate facilities for future growth. The JFK Bridge is of sufficient height for evacuation purposes and wide enough for current and future flows. The recommendation makes considerations for the eventual elevation and widening of the JFK Bridge.
Construct two parallel 5,000' bridges from Flour Bluff to beyond Humble Channel. The existing fill under the bridges should be removed, but the Gulf Coast International Water Way Bridge would remain as is. The total project cost is $33.4 million.
Raise remaining existing roadway by adding fill. Approximately 5' of fill would be needed to raise the minimum roadway elevation to 8'. Slope stabilization should be provided to protect the banks. No provision should be made to provide additional openings to improve circulation. Cost is approximately $18 million.
OFFER AMTRAK SERVICES AS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Corpus Christi service would be an extension of the Texas Eagle from San Antonio; an Amtrak hub. A connection from Houston to Corpus Christi and then to San Antonio is another possible corridor.
The best case scenario would be for Amtrak to lease this right of way from Union Pacific. The present use of the Union Pacific line does not justify its present use.
DEEPEN THE SHIP CHANNEL AND PORT TO FACILITATE CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH INCREASED CARGO, CRUISE SHIPS, AND JOBS
Continue with the development of a Northside Corridor Intermodal Transfer center. Shift from traditional cargos (i.e., grain, cotton, oil) to attract a more diverse industry to this region.
Begin developing plans for the future elevation of the bridges that span the Port, as well as continuing efforts to deepen the port channels and expand port facilities.
Support satellite docking facilities located away from the inner harbor area.
Establish a cruise line service and a regularly scheduled freight calling ship and support economic development projects related thereto.