Texas A&M Faculty Members Called to Partake in Survey About Upcoming Interchange Construction Project

August 14, 2024

Faculty Input Requested for Infrastructure Improvement Project

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is calling on faculty members to take part in a survey concerning the proposed Interchange Project at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive. The ambitious project, scheduled to break ground in the Spring of 2026, aims to minimize traffic congestion, enhance pedestrian safety and improve stormwater management. Faculty input, says TTI representative Debbie Albert, could prove invaluable in ensuring the construction process is smooth and less disruptive to the Texas A&M community.

Despite a response rate already reaching into the thousands, participation from the faculty remains relatively low. TTI hopes to encourage greater involvement with the new call to action. The feedback received through the survey aims to fine-tune design and construction aspects of the project to better align with community needs and minimize disruptions during construction.

New Design Propositions Under Discussion

The current design, as presented by Debbie Albert, envisages a deeper version of the existing interchange at Wellborn and Old Main. The plan includes having traffic on George Bush Drive run approximately 35 feet beneath Wellborn Road and the adjacent railway line. In addition, a pedestrian pathway has been proposed for placement between these two points.

Necessary utilities will also see an upgrade. The project design includes a pump station and a detention pond at the former McDonald’s site for stormwater management during rain events. This design, planned with foresight for extreme weather conditions, assures efficient removal and storage of storm water, a crucial factor in Texas’ often volatile weather patterns. Over 300,000 cubic yards of dirt are expected to be excavated to achieve this feat.

Anticipated Benefits for the Academic Community

The proposed Interchange Project aims to offer several advantages. From significant traffic reduction allowing easy transit for faculty members, to upgraded facilities ensuring sustainable infrastructure, the intended outcome is to uplift the quality of life within the academic community. The pedestrian path incorporated into the design serves to enhance safety for the students and staff traversing across these key locations and to foster a friendlier, pedestrian-oriented environment within the campus.

Faculty members can access and partake in the survey via the link provided by TTI. In addition, detailed presentation material used during the August 12, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting is also available on the website. The input gathered from the faculty will play a critical role in finalizing this pivotal project.