A new neighborhood traffic improvement program has been added as Missouri City continues to move away from a bedroom community, officials said.

The overview

At a Nov. 18 meeting, Missouri City City Council approved creating a traffic calming program to improve neighborhood safety by reducing cut-through traffic and speeds through traffic measures.

Qualified traffic calming measures include roundabouts, mini-roundabouts, roadway reconfiguration, speed cushions, raised crosswalks, on-street parking, and half- and full-street closures, according to agenda documents.

“We’re a transitioning city—not just a transitioning city but a transitioning region—that’s changed the traffic patterns in this area, and we have more cars coming and going,” City Engineer Marcus Snell said.

Zooming in

The program allows a homeowners association or 75% of residents in a requested segment to request traffic calming measures be implemented, Snell said. The four-step process includes a:

• Project request
• Studies and ranking of projects
• Review and project selection
• Cost share and project packet

Projects will be ranked based on need basis and available funds by studying daily traffic volumes, crashes, measured speeds, sidewalk availability, bicycle and pedestrian crossings, proximity to community destinations and visual obstructions, Snell said.

The cost

The city has budgeted $100,000 to the program on an annual basis with the city covering 80% of costs for approved projects, Snell said. The remaining 20% is set to be covered by an HOA, although it can be waived at the city manager’s discretion.

Looking ahead

Although requests will be accepted year-round, Snell said the annual project schedule will include:

• Jan. 31: deadline for submission of requests for project year
• February-April: data collection and review
• June-July: decision
• October: design and implementation