AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will be presenting two opportunities for the public to comment on how two proposed highway projects will "fit in" with surrounding communities. The anticipated changes will be made to US 290/SH 71 from just east of Williamson Creek to RM 1826 and to SH 71 from 1.1 mile west of US 290 to US 290.

Those attending will be urged to provide written or verbal comments on schematics and artistic concepts of the roadways. Known as "Context Sensitive Design," the effort strives to build roadways that correspond to their local surroundings. TxDOT staff will be on hand at the open house events to answer questions. The same information will be presented at each open house.

The Open Houses are scheduled for:

Tuesday, May 2, 2006, from 5:00 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Austin Community College, Pinnacle Campus at 7748 Highway 290 West, Suite 1013

Wednesday, May 3, 2006, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Travis County West Rural Community Center at 8656 Hwy 71 West, Bldg A

Proposed improvements include upgrading US 290/SH 71 from the existing four-lane highway section to a four to six-lane toll road. The plan would also include non-tolled access road lanes in each direction. Proposed improvements to SH 71 west of US 290 are in the preliminary stages and include adding direct connector ramps between SH 71 and US 290.