Build Your Own Cross Section

APA Texas Houston Section, Silver Award for Public Engagement, 2025

In partnership with Harris County Precinct 2 and their Revive2Thrive Community Initiative and Reimagine Corridor Study Program, The Goodman Corporation (TGC) designed the Build Your Own Cross Section Activity, and interactive and innovative planning tool that enables the community to conceptually reimagine the public right-of-way (ROW) of a roadway. TGC facilitated this table-top activity at 18 stakeholder and community meetings, empowering over 350 participants to reimagine eight corridors across Harris County Precinct 2. This activity started new conversations in the community, fostering greater participation and awareness among citizens in the community planning process.

TGC designed and built ROW pieces to simulate actual ROWs on selected corridors, and created roadway component tiles to represent vehicle lanes, options for turn lanes, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, safety buffers/medians, light rail, bus lanes, and parking, and provided pieces for amenities such as lighting and shade. At each meeting, participants were instructed to select roadway components they would like in their ideal cross section of the roadway, as well as speed limit and amenities. All selected components must fit within the ROW provided, providing a unique opportunity to understand first-hand how trade-offs are inevitable when asked to prioritize multimodal transportation options with limited right of way. Staff facilitating the activity did not intervene or suggest participants change their cross section based on feasibility (e.g., two two-way left turn lanes, no vehicle lanes). Each cross section created was photographed and analyzed; this data was provided to the project team and will be incorporated into community-driven design alternatives for each corridor.

The Build Your Own Cross Section activity effectively engaged communities by demystifying complex engineering concepts, ultimately contributing to better and more inclusive planning outcomes. Its adaptability and focus on experiential learning make it a valuable model for other planning initiatives seeking meaningful community engagement.