SS 197 Grade Separation Feasibility Study

The Houston‑Galveston Area Council (H‑GAC) is seeking a qualified contractor to perform a planning‑level feasibility study for a grade‑separation and gate‑realignment at the SH 197/ FM 519 at‑grade rail crossing near the Port of Texas City. The study will document existing conditions, traffic and rail operations, safety issues, and stakeholder input; develop up to two conceptual alternatives; conduct cost‑benefit analysis; and identify funding and implementation pathways. Deliverables include a Project Management Plan, Public Involvement Plan, data collection reports, concept drawings, an alternatives evaluation matrix, and a final feasibility report with recommendations. The contractor must manage monthly invoicing, progress reporting, and coordination with H‑GAC, the Port, Union Pacific, TxDOT, and other stakeholders. • Scope: data collection, traffic/rail safety analysis, stakeholder engagement, concept development, cost‑benefit analysis, funding research. • Duration: multiple tasks spanning data collection, public meetings, concept design, and final reporting (estimated several months). • Deliverables: PMP, PIP, technical memoranda, existing‑conditions report, concept sheets, cost‑benefit analysis inputs, meeting materials, final report. • Required expertise: transportation planning, traffic engineering, rail operations, public outreach, cost‑benefit modeling (e.g., REMI), and familiarity with federal/state funding mechanisms. • Submission: electronic via OpenGov by 12:00 pm on September 24, 2026; questions due by September 3, 2026.