HBA-NIK  H.B. 567 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 567
By: Yarbrough
Transportation
5/3/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are no sound barrier walls surrounding Interstate 610 in
Houston.  In 1996, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approved
funding for a Type II feasibility study regarding the retro-fitting of
sound barrier walls in that area.  Although such a study is required to
qualify for federal funding, TxDOT has not yet provided a copy of the
feasibility study or a feasibility report to the required legislators.   

The purpose of this bill is to reduce the effects of traffic noise and
pollution on residences located in the vicinity of Interstate 610.  H.B.
567 requires TxDOT to erect, as soon as practical, sound barrier walls
along specified locations surrounding Interstate 610 that are designed to
reduce the highway noise.  H.B. 567 also specifies that the wall must not
interfere with access to commercial businesses or buildings. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  (a)  Requires TxDOT to erect, as soon as practical, sound
barrier walls along the north side of Interstate 610 in Houston, from a
point on the west side of Yale at its intersection with Interstate 610
extending approximately 2-1/2 miles to the west to a point located on the
east side of East T.C. Jester at its intersection with Interstate 610. 

(b)  Requires the sound barrier to be designed to reduce highway noise for
residences located in the vicinity of Intestate 610 on certain enumerated
Houston streets. 

(c) Provides that, to the extent possible, the walls must not interfere
with access to commercial businesses or buildings. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.