Ergonomic Transportation Solutions, Inc. (ETSI) was incorporated in 1998 in Houston, Texas to provide consulting services in the fields of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, as well as Transportation Planning. While dealing mainly with public agencies such as cities, counties, TxDOT and MPOs, it has also provided consulting services to private companies and developers.
Our Mission
ETSI has focused on developing high-quality designs and proven to produce exceptional services. Maintaining focus on transportation and traffic projects enables us to provide the right combination of technical skills, high quality work, and superior service. Our firm is known for constant attention to details, on-budget performance and has the capability to meet and/or exceed deadlines.
ETSI emphasizes the development of creative, cost-effective and result-oriented solutions to planning and design problems. Our commitment to quality and service is evidenced by the large number of repeat clients.
Project Name: Hidalgo County Courthouse Traffic Impact Study (2017)
Project Area: 1 square mile (approx.), 28 study intersections
Client: Hidalgo County, TX
Hidalgo County and the City of Edinburg have been planning two major developments in the center of downtown Edinburg, the Hidalgo County Courthouse and the Edinburg Downtown Master Plan. The existing County Courthouse would be replaced by a much larger facility (approx. 312,000 sq. ft.) that would accommodate more courts and governments offices. The Edinburg Downtown Master Plan would redevelop the entire downtown area (including the new Hidalgo County Courthouse site) into a vibrant and active town center.
ETSI was contracted by Hidalgo County to conduct a Category III traffic impact study to address the impacts of the proposed Hidalgo County Courthouse and the Downtown Master Plan, as well as to develop a phased improvement plan to alleviate potential impacts. Using Vistro and Synchro software, ETSI modeled a 1-sqaure-mile network of 28 study intersections, and conducted the traffic study in five target years: 2017, 2021, 2026, 2036 and 2046.
The study involves:
Existing and Future Land Use Analyses
Trip Generation, Distribution and Assignment
Parking and Circulation Analyses
Active Transportation and Public Transportation Analyses
Recommendations of signal, roadway and other improvements.
Traffic signal design
Project Name: US 83 and Inspiration Road Interchange Traffic Signal Design (2016)
Project Area: 4 intersections and connected corridors
Client: TxDOT, City of Mission
The expansion of US 83 intersects Inspiration Road and creates a complex interchange. In 2011, ETSI was contracted by TxDOT to conduct a traffic operational analysis for this interchange. ETSI evaluated two alternative design options and concluded with recommendations. Based on the recommendations, TxDOT contracted ETSI again to develop engineering designs for the interchange.
This interchange consists of four intersections: Business 83 at Inspiration Rd, US 83 EB frontage road at Inspiration Rd, US 83 WB frontage road at Business 83 and US 83 WB frontage road at Inspiration Rd. ETSI developed traffic signal plans, illumination plans and signing plans for all four intersections and connected street corridors. ETSI also provided quantities and cost estimates for all plans.
Traffic SIGNAL WARRANT
Project Name: Mile 3 Road Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis (2016)
Project Area: 3.5 mile corridor, 6 study intersections
Client: Hidalgo County, TX
The proposed improvements along Mile 3 Road from FM 2221 to FM 492 include widening of the existing two lane road to four lanes from FM 492 to Tom Gill Road and extension of a two lane roadway on new right of way from Tom Gill Road west to FM 2221.
The proposed Mile 3 Road will cross 5 unsignalized streets -- Tom Gill Road, Iowa Road, Texan Road, Western Road and Abram Road. Therefore, traffic signal warrant studies should be conducted at these intersections to determine if traffic signal control will be needed for the improved roadway. The proposed Mile 3 Road will also cross the existing signalized intersection at FM 492 and impact the existing roadway geometries. Therefore, signal warrant study should also be conducted at FM 492 intersection, and the existing signal equipment needs to be reviewed and brought up to current TxDOT accessibility standards.
This work involves:
Field Investigation and Data Collection
Future Traffic Demand Forecast
Accident Analysis and Collision Diagrams
MUTCD Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis
Recommendations of Traffic Control Types and Improvements
Traffic Control Plan
Project Name: FM 2100 (Crosby-Lynchburg Road) Traffic Control Plan (2016)
Project Area: 0.5 mile corridor
Client: Harris County, TX
FM 2100 is an arterial roadway of significant importance. It connects IH 10 on the south with US 90 on the north, while it continues further north past FM 1960. This is primarily a residential area with several churches and small shops, known as the Community of Barrett Station. In recent years, the growth of traffic combined with its limited capacity cross section (one-lane in each direction) has caused significant congestion and delays on the 1-mile segment of FM 2100 from Magnolia Avenue to US 90. Traffic queues in both northbound and southbound directions during peak traffic periods, restricting local area residents to access their properties.
In 2010, ETSI was contracted by Harris County to conduct a traffic engineering study in order to assess the factors that contribute to the degradation of the quality of traffic flow, and identify conceptual improvement alternatives. The study concluded with suggestion of widening FM 2100 from 2-lane to 4-lane with a two-way-left-turn lane.
Subsequently in 2011, Harris County contracted ETSI again to produce a complete set of engineering plans for the proposed widening of FM 2100 from FM 1942 to Arcadian Dr, including roadway designs, traffic signal designs, signing and pavement marking designs, SWPPP, construction traffic control plan, etc.
The traffic control plan consists of three phases, and each phase consists of multiple steps, according to the construction phasing plan.
The work involves:
Design temporary geometries with temporary traffic signal and pavement markings
Set up buffer zones with signs, barricades and concrete barriers
Develop detour routes with proper signage
Install temporary asphalt pavement
roadway geometric design
Project Name: FM 2100 (Crosby-Lynchburg Road) Roadway Design (2016)
Project Area: 0.5 mile corridor
Client: Harris County, TX
FM 2100 is an arterial roadway of significant importance. It connects IH 10 on the south with US 90 on the north, while it continues further north past FM 1960. This is primarily a residential area with several churches and small shops, known as the Community of Barrett Station. In recent years, the growth of traffic combined with its limited capacity cross section (one-lane in each direction) has caused significant congestion and delays on the 1-mile segment of FM 2100 from Magnolia Avenue to US 90. Traffic queues in both northbound and southbound directions during peak traffic periods, restricting local area residents to access their properties.
In 2010, ETSI was contracted by Harris County to conduct a traffic engineering study in order to assess the factors that contribute to the degradation of the quality of traffic flow, and identify conceptual improvement alternatives. The study concluded with suggestion of widening FM 2100 from 2-lane to 4-lane with a two-way-left-turn lane.
Subsequently in 2011, Harris County contracted ETSI again to produce a complete set of engineering plans for the proposed widening of FM 2100 from FM 1942 to Arcadian Dr, including roadway designs, traffic signal designs, signing and pavement marking designs, SWPPP, construction traffic control plan, etc.
The roadway geometric design involves:
Existing and Proposed Typical Sections
Storm Sewer Drainage Plan
Demolition Plans
Clearing and Grubbing Plans
Roadway Plan and Profile for entire corridor
Illumination design
Project Name: 365 Toll Road from FM 396 to McColl Road Illumination Design (2017)
Project Area: 6.5 mile freeway
Client: Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA)
The proposed 365 Toll Road is a new roadway that will be designed to TxDOT freeway standards. It will run in a general east-west alignment and will connect major traffic generators along the US-Mexico trade corridor. Its design will include assessment of required traffic controls at major interchanges (signalization) and Illumination (safety and underpass lighting).
ETSI, under contract with HCRMA, produced a complete set of Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimates (PS&E) for the illumination plans of the entire 6-mile segment of 365 Toll Road (from FM 396 to McColl Road).
The work includes:
Develop illumination configurations using AGi32 software
Design electrical conduits and circuits
Provide plan layouts and wiring diagrams
Provide specifications, quantities and cost estimate
intelligent transportation system design
Project Name: El Paso Traffic Signal Synchronization System (2001)
Project Area: 14 mile, multiple roadways
Client: TxDOT El Paso District
ETSI developed plans, specifications and estimates for the installation of a 14-mile long fiber optic trunk line that interconnected 50 signalized intersections, 10 dynamic message signs, 8 video detection intersections and 7 CCTVs. The work included plan layouts, schematic diagrams of all fiber optic connections, intersection layouts and fiber distribution charts. Construction cost was estimated at about $2.0 million.
corridor feasibility study
Project Name: Various Projects
Project Area: 27 Corridors
Client: City of Houston
For the past 20 years, ETSI has conducted Corridor Feasibility Studies for 27 corridors in the City of Houston area. The studies are usually conducted by two phases. In Phase I study, ETSI conducted a pre-engineering assessment along the corridor, which identified some key capacity and safety issues that need to be assessed further under the Phase II study. The purpose of the Phase II study is to assess traffic operations along the corridor under existing and future traffic conditions, examined the capacity and safety issues in detail, and make recommendations to improve the quality of traffic flow, as well as to enhance safety.
ROUTE STUDY & SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Project Name: FM 2100 (Crosby-Lynchburg Road) Roadway Design (2016)
Project Area: 1.3 mile corridor
Client: Harris County, TX
FM 2100 is an arterial roadway of significant importance. It connects IH 10 on the south with US 90 on the north, while it continues further north past FM 1960. This is primarily a residential area with several churches and small shops, known as the Community of Barrett Station. In recent years, the growth of traffic combined with its limited capacity cross section (one-lane in each direction) has caused significant congestion and delays on the 1-mile segment of FM 2100 from Magnolia Avenue to US 90. Traffic queues in both northbound and southbound directions during peak traffic periods, restricting local area residents to access their properties.
In 2010, ETSI was contracted by Harris County to conduct a traffic engineering study in order to assess the factors that contribute to the degradation of the quality of traffic flow, and identify conceptual improvement alternatives. The study concluded with suggestion of widening FM 2100 from 2-lane to 4-lane with a two-way-left-turn lane.
toll feasibility study
Project Name: McCrary Road Toll Bridge Feasibility Study (2011)
Project Area: 4 mile corridor
Client: The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority
Thanks to great economic growth in the recent years, Fort Bend County had been witnessing significant increase in traffic generated by rapidly developed residential communities. Several arterial roadways experienced significant congestion due to limited number of crossing along the Brazos, including FM 723 and FM 359. Considering that traditional funding methods for improving these two facilities may take a long time, the option of a new toll supported roadway facility across Brazos River appears to be worthy of conceptual evaluation. A possible toll bridge, preferably halfway between FM 723 on the west and FM 359 on the east, would be an ideal solution for an added traffic capacity.
In 2006, the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority contracted ETSI to conduct a conceptual level feasibility study to investigate the potential feasibility of a Toll Bridge across the Brazos River along the extension of McCrary Road, and to make an estimate of its potential traffic and revenues. The study concluded that a toll bridge appears to be within the financial feasibility range, if a high speed roadway connection to SH 99 is in place.
The Fort Bend County took ETSI’s advice and considered the McCrary Road Toll Bridge project as a proposed city and county road in the Fort Bend County Major Thoroughfare Plan, approved in 2007. In 2011, the Fort Bend County contracted ETSI again to conduct a follow up study for the toll bridge. The purpose of the 2011 study is to examine the most recent 2011 traffic conditions near the proposed toll bridge, and compare with the projected conditions presented in the 2006 study. Based on the comparison, the 2011 study re-affirmed the feasibility of the toll bridge, and suggested to conduct a further detailed study for thorough investigations of the scenarios.
The work includes:
Collection of pertinent data
Investigation of existing transportation facilities and traffic patterns in the area
Development and Assessment of Diverted Traffic
Develop Potential Toll Revenues
Conceptual cash flow scenarios
Conclusions and recommendations for future actions
parking planning study
Project Name: Stella Link Redevelopment Parking Study
Project Area: 25-acre Campus Park
Client: Stella Link Redevelopment Association, Inc.
ETSI conducted this parking study which included investigations, analyses and recommendations related to traffic circulation, access management, parking requirements and pedestrian safety on a redeveloped campus park. The campus park included a middle school, an elementary school, a YMCA with multiple sports fields, a library, a retirement home and a fire station. The study conformed to the ITE standards, methodologies and City of Houston's parking provisions for each of the facilities served.
The work involved parking occupancy data collection, parking demand estimation, future traffic & parking projections, traffic circulation, school bus circulation, recommendations for improvements and order of magnitude costs. Particularly challenging was the accommodation of overflow parking demand into the adjacent residential streets. Public meetings were conducted to appraise the local residents of parking issues and alternative solutions.
Traffic Operation Analysis
Project Name: Shary Road Traffic Operation Analysis (2016)
Project Area: 1 mile corridor, 3 study intersections
Client: The City of Mission, Texas
Shary Road is a four lane divided major arterial in the City of Mission. It carries significant traffic generated by office and commercial/retail development as well as single family residential developments. Field observations indicate that the quality of traffic flow during peak traffic periods has deteriorated due to the increased traffic demand. In the study corridor, there are three major signalized intersections operating independently, Los Milagros Road, Los Indios Road and Plantation Grove Boulevard. The existing capacity of Shary Road appear to be sufficient to handle the existing traffic demand. Therefore, intersection-level improvements are needed at the three major intersections to enhance the quality of traffic flow.
The City of Mission contracted ETSI to conduct a Traffic Operations Analysis and Traffic Signal Coordination Study along Shary Road between Los Milagros Road and Plantation Grove Boulevard. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the existing traffic operations along the Shary Road corridor and make recommendations to improve the quality of traffic flow and enhance safety.
The work included:
Collect existing traffic data and traffic signal timing and phasing plans
Conduct Capacity Analysis on study intersections and roadway segments
Optimize signal phasing/timing coordination and lane assignments
Development alternative scenarios of improvements
Compare analysis results of all alternative scenarios and make recommendations
Implement the recommended signal phasing/timing coordination plan (program signal controllers)
Conduct follow-up travel time study and compare with previous results
Construction management
Project Name: City of Houston Construction Management and Inspection Services (2017)
Project Area: 15 intersections
Client: The City of Houston, Texas
Over the past 20+ years, ETSI has completed many traffic engineering and planning projects for the City of Houston, during which ETSI has accrued valuable experience and established a good relationship with the City. Thanks to these past experiences, the City of Houston has contracted ETSI again to provide construction management and inspection services to 15 intersections in the city. Construction of those intersections are scheduled to start in early 2017 and to be completed later in 2018. ETSI will oversee and manage the timeline, progress, consistency and compliance of these construction projects, leveraging its professional engineering knowledge and experience.
The work included:
Receive, track, coordinate, record, and respond to all submittals
Provide on-site observation of the progress and quality of work
Identify problems encountered in constructions and recommend solutions
Inspect construction activities to verify compliance with the Construction Documents
Determine the dates of substantial and final completion of the construction
Prepare and distribute monthly status reports
Assist the City in conducting pre-construction and routine progress meetings
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