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15 GOAL 5.3: Provide for relief of traffic congestion. Harris County has initiated corridor studies for the entire lengths of Fairmont Parkway and Spencer Highway to identify issues that cause congestion. One initiative for Fairmont Parkway being considered by the County is a possible conversion to a toll road with service lands and overpasses. While there are some positive aspects to this conversion, a study must be conducted to weigh and balance impacts to commercial access. GOAL 5.4: Eliminate major barriers to traffic movement. OBJ. 5.4a: Pursue improvements at intersections of railroad lines with arterial and collector roadways to facilitate efficient traffic movement and alleviate congestion and the delay of emergency vehicles. The overpass at the Union Pacific railroad and Fairmont Parkway is now in the construction phase. A railroad/street grade separation at Houston Drive and at Old Underwood Road and the railroad are not feasible due to the tight geometric constraints. LAN Engineering is in the preliminary phase of a study to construct intersection improvements along the Fairmont Parkway corridor. The intent of this study is to identify aspects that currently inhibit traffic flow and to consider improvements and all major intersections including synchronization of signals. Coordination with the City of La Porte is ongoing. GOAL 5.5: Upgrade and improve existing street infrastructure to meet or exceed minimum standards by Year 2020. OBJ. 5.5a: Identify and define minimum design and construction standards to be met by Year 2020. Minimum technical engineering specifications and design standards for new, privately built streets were established by the passage of Chapter 6 of PICM. The minimum standard was established as concrete curb and gutter streets. Coupled with the passage of these design standards, the City has developed standard details and technical specifications to be used for new concrete roadway construction. All three are available to prospective developers. All new and planned subdivisions have, or will have concrete, curb and gutter streets. These streets are planned to serve over 750 new households. OBJ. 5.5d: Identify funding alternatives and resources available for implementation. The City has had success in seeking and obtaining cost sharing for street extensions and construction including, but not limited to, cost sharing with Harris County, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), the Port of Houston Authority, and federal grants. This has been evident in such projects as the Fairmont Parkway Railroad Overpass Project, the Barbour's Cut Blvd. rebuild project, the Bay Area Blvd. project, Canada Road and Harris County's willingness to participate in the Sunrise Drive/North Shady Lane connection. Even in the absence of developer assistance funds, the City has not experienced problems getting developers to extend streets for developer driven projects. The dedication of right-of-way for the construction of public streets is duly undertaken as a matter of course whenever a new subdivision plat comes up for review and approval.