Public Hearing - SL 121 from FM 439 to I-35 in Bell County
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Public Hearing - SL 121 from FM 439 to I-35 in Bell County

Where:

Harris Community Center
401 N. Alexander St.
Belton, TX 76513 (Map)

When:

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018
5:30 p.m. Open House
6:30 p.m. Formal Hearing

Purpose:

The purpose of the hearing is to gather public input on the proposed improvements to SL 121 from FM 439 to IH 35 in Bell County, Texas. Comments must be received on or before  Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, to be a part of the official  hearing record.

Description:

Proposed improvements to SL 121 would reconstruct and widen this highway from FM 439 to I-35 in the City of Belton, Bell County, Texas, a distance of approximately 4.85 miles. The existing SL 121 consists of a four-lane undivided section from FM 439 to Sparta Road, and a two-lane undivided section with turn lanes at select locations from Sparta Road to I- 35. The proposed improvements include reconstructing and widening the existing roadway. From FM 439 to Sparta Road, the proposed four-lane facility would consist of one 12-foot wide inside travel lane and one 14-foot wide outside shared-use lane in each direction with 1.5-foot wide outside curb offsets. A 14-foot wide central two-way left-turn lane would divide the northbound and southbound lanes. From Sparta Road to I-35, the proposed four-lane facility would consist of one 12-foot wide inside travel lane and one 14-foot wide outside shared-use lane in each direction with 1.5-foot inside and outside curb offsets, and a six-foot to 17-foot wide raised median with left and right-turn lanes at select locations. The proposed project would also include bicycle accommodations in the form of a behind curb 10-foot wide shared-use path and 14-foot wide outside shared-use lanes. A six-foot wide sidewalk would also be located along the roadway, on the opposite side of the road from the shared-use path, to accommodate pedestrians. Both the sidewalk and shared-used path would extend for the length of the proposed project.

Existing right-of-way (ROW) widths vary from 100 feet to 390 feet wide and proposed ROW widths would vary from 105 feet to 160 feet wide. Approximately 8.7 acres of proposed ROW and 0.9 acre for drainage easements would be required for the proposed improvements. The proposed project would displace one residence and one storage shed. The proposed project involves the use of property protected by Section 4(f) de minimis. The proposed project would require the use of approximately 0.236 acre of Property ID 8940 and 0.19 acre of Property ID 8966, both owned by the Belton Independent School District. The properties would be used to accommodate a 10-foot wide shared-use path along southbound SL 121; corner clips at Tiger Drive and Sparta Road to allow for improved intersections and turning radii; and proposed ROW acquisition along southbound SL 121 to allow for the expanded roadway facility and side slopes. To qualify for a Section 4(f) de minimis, it was established that the project activities will not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that make the properties eligible for Section 4(f) protection. The proposed project crosses the 100-year floodplain associated with Mitchell Branch and Nolan Creek and its tributary.

Special Accommodations:

TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The open house will be in English. 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 (254) 867-2705 at least two days prior to the meeting. 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 December 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.

Contact:

TxDOT Waco District
100 S. Loop Drive
Waco, TX 76704
(254) 867-2700

Email

Posted Sept. 20, 2018