LAND USE IMPACT OF IMPROVING SECTION ONE OF FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD 157 IN AN UNDEVELOPED AREA OF ARLINGTON

Previous studies on the effects of highway construction upon land use have focused mainly upon the effects of the construction of new highways. In view of a new emphasis upon upgrading and expanding existing facilities rather than building new ones, the need arises for information concerning the effects of such improvements upon land use. This report relates the findings of research done in an area of Arlington, Texas where a section of Farm-to-Market Road 157 was upgraded from a 24 foot two-lane road with a center stripe and open ditch to a 62 foot four-lane road with a continuous left turn lane and curbs and gutters. The improvement took place in an undeveloped area where most of the land was unimproved. Land use changes were analyzed for both abutting and nonabutting properties that might have been affected by the road improvement. Data were collected for a period including six years before planning for the specific improvement began up to the end of 1978. Total acres in each type of land use were determined for two "before construction" years, 1964 and 1969, and for two "after construction" years, 1976 and 1968. Comparisons were made of the types and rates of development before and after the upgrading occurred. The data are reported in narrative, graphic, and tabular form. Causes of development in the area other than the street improvement were also researched and are reopened. Highway planners should be able to use this report and subsequent reports of this study to make more accurate predictions of land use changes due to specific highway improvements. (FHWA)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research Preformed in cooperation with DOT, FHWA, and SDHPT
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp

  11th and Brazos Streets
  Austin, TX  United States  78701
• Authors:
  • Cosby, P J
  • Buffington, J L
• Publication Date: 1979-7

Media Info

• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Farm roads; Four lane highways; Highway planning; Highways; Impact studies; Improvements; Land use; Modernization; Two lane highways
• Old TRIS Terms: Land use effects
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316398
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-79-11 Intrm Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: Res Study 2-8-77-225
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1980 12:00AM