Notice Draft Environmental Assessment Availability and Virtual Public Hearing with In-Person Option for FM 517 from SH 35 to I-45
| Where | The virtual public hearing and in-person option dates and times are indicated below. |
| When | The pre-recorded presentation (in English and Spanish) will be posted on this page on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 5 p.m. Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation and materials delivered in the online public hearing, which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff, and leave written comments. The in-person option will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Walter Hall Park Indoor Facility, 807 SH 3 North, League City, TX 77573. For both the virtual public hearing and in-person option, members of the public may call 713-565-7001 to provide verbal testimony immediately following the posting of the virtual public hearing presentation, from 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The comment line has been extended until Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. |
| Purpose | The purpose of the public hearing is to present the proposed project to the public and receive comments. The project is proposing to reconstruct and widen FM 517 from SH 35 to I-45 in Brazoria and Galveston counties, Texas.. The virtual and in-person hearing will consist of the same narrated presentation by the project team, project exhibits and other information, and an opportunity to comment. Comments must be received on or before Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, to be a part of the official hearing record. The comment period deadline has been extended until Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. |
English presentation
Spanish presentation
| Description | The project proposes to reconstruct and widen FM 517 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway for a total distance of 9.8 miles. From SH 35 to FM 646 the improvements would include the addition of one 12-foot-wide travel lane in each direction, an 18-foot-wide raised median with turn lanes at intersections, 14-foot-wide shoulders, and 10-foot-wide shared use paths on both sides of the roadway for pedestrians and bicyclists. The total right-of-way width would be approximately 160 feet which would include approximately 30 feet of additional right of way on both sides of the roadway. The roadway would be converted to a curb and gutter drainage system with open vegetated ditches. Approximately 61 acres of additional right of way would be required for this section. From east of FM 646 to I-45 the improvements would include the addition of a 16-foot-wide raised median with turn lanes at intersections and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists on the north side of FM 517. This section currently has four 12-foot-wide travel lanes without shoulders. The existing right-of-way width would remain 100 feet in this section. The project also would include improvements at Old Alvin Road, McFarland Road/Algoa-Friendswood Road and FM 646. Improvements at Old Alvin Road would extend approximately 440 feet to the north of FM 517 and include realignment of the intersection. Improvements at McFarland Road/Algoa-Friendswood Road extend approximately 900 feet to the north and south of FM 517 and include realignment of the intersection and construction of left and right turn lanes. Improvements at FM 646 would extend approximately 1,000 feet to the north and south of FM 517 and include the construction of left and right turn lanes at the intersection. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require approximately 61 acres of additional ROW and potentially displace three commercial facilities. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for those displaced and other affected property owners, as well as information about the tentative schedule for ROW acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT District Office by calling 713-802-5269. The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands. Anticipated impacts to Waters of the U.S., including wetlands, consist of nine manmade ditches, Dickinson Bayou and Cedar Creek. The impacts are anticipated to be authorized by an Individual Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The proposed project would involve action in a floodplain. Approximately 30 acres of the proposed project area is within the Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated 100-year floodplain. The proposed project would not raise the base flood elevation to a level that would violate applicable floodplain regulations or ordinances. |
| Special accommodations | TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The virtual public hearing materials and exhibits will be in English and Spanish. If you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can also be made to accommodate most needs. Please call TxDOT’s Public Information Office at 713-802-5076 no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, to request special accommodations. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange. |
| Memorandum of understanding | The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. |
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