SH 68
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SH 68

Currently, the SH 68 project is described in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as a four-lane divided rural highway facility with future mainlanes and overpasses in eastern Hidalgo County from US 83/I-2 to US 281/I-69C. The facility described in the MTP and STIP has a total project length of approximately 22 miles.

Need

SH 68 is needed because there are limited current north-south roadways in the area and population is projected to increase substantially in the future, which will substantially increase traffic volume on current north-south roadways in the area. SH 68 is also needed to improve the emergency evacuation capacity of the state highway system in the south Texas region.

Purpose

The purpose of the SH 68 project is to accommodate population growth and higher traffic volumes, while relieving the burden on the limited number of existing north-south roadways, and provide an alternate north-south evacuation route during emergency events.

Significance of impacts

The significance of impacts for the proposed SH 68 project was initially uncertain, so the process began by preparing an environmental assessment (EA). Based on preliminary analysis and feedback from the public, it was determined that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be prepared. The EIS will incorporate information collected during the EA process; in addition, public input gathered during the development of the EA will be considered in the EIS process.

The EIS will analyze potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts from construction and operation of proposed corridor improvements including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Transportation
  • Air quality and noise
  • Water quality including storm water runoff
  • Waters of the United States including wetlands
  • Floodplains
  • Historic and archeological resources
  • Threatened and endangered species
  • Socioeconomics including environmental justice communities
  • Potential displacements of land use, vegetation, residents and businesses
  • Aesthetic and visual resources

Get involved

Public involvement is a critical component of the SH 68 proposed project development process. Below is a list of activities that have been conducted by date of occurrence. A public meeting is planned to be held in early 2023. The project team welcomes comments and suggestions from interested persons. Come by our SH 68 office located at 4711 South Alamo Road, Suite 106 in Edinburg, Texas or call at (956) 460-9299.

Meeting materials from Feb. 22, 2023 public meeting

Schematic

  • Schematic 1 - I-2 to North of Nebraska Road
  • Schematic 2 – North of Nebraska Road to North of Sioux Road
  • Schematic 3 – North of Sioux Road to South of East Owassa Road
  • Schematic 4 – South of East Owassa Road to South of Wisconsin Road
  • Schematic 5 - South of Wisconsin Road to South of East Texas Road
  • Schematic 6 – South of East Texas Road to Tex Mex Road
  • Schematic 7 – Tex Mex Road to North of East Mile 17 and One Half North
  • Schematic 8 – North Of East Mile 17 and One Half North to South Of North Terry Road
  • Schematic 9 – South of North Terry Road to North of Davis Road
  • Schematic 10 – North of Davis Road to South of East FM 2812
  • Schematic 11 – South of East FM 2812 to North of Mile22 and One Half Road
  • Schematic 12 – North of Mile 22 and One Half Road to South Of East FM 490
  • Schematic 13 – South of East FM 490 to South of East FM 490
  • Schematic 14 – South of East FM 490 to East FM 490
  • Schematic 15 – East FM 490 to North of East FM 490
  • Schematic 16 – North of East FM 490 to South Of I-69C
  • Schematic 17 – South Of I-69C to I-69C and US 281

Draft Environmental Impact Statement and technical reports

Design modification

The proposed design modification is approximately 3.2 miles long and located between Curry Road and FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Road). The design modification would shift the SH 68 recommended preferred alternative to the west. The design modification has been developed to reduce potential impacts and in response to public comments received from the SH 68 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Public Hearing. The proposed design modification would reduce the number of displacements to residences and businesses located within this segment of the project; however, some new displacements not previously identified would occur.