TxDOT is planning improvements for the widening of I-35 from FM 3002 in Cooke County, Texas to mile marker 3 in Love County, Oklahoma. Planned improvements include updating the roadway to current design standards and providing congestion relief for expected future traffic increases.
As part of the planning process, TxDOT is conducting an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed widening and realignment of I-35 from FM 3002 in Cooke County, Texas, to mile marker 3 in Love County, Oklahoma. An EA is a report that documents the existing social, economic and environmental conditions, assesses effects of the proposed alternative and identifies potential mitigation. The EA will also evaluate the effects of a no-build alternative.
Project Information
The 24-mile project extending from FM 3002 to mile marker 3 in Oklahoma includes:
Get Involved
The most recent public meetings for this project occurred on Feb. 5, 2015, in Gainesville, Texas and Sept. 30, 2015, in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Attendees were invited to review the purpose and need for the project, review evaluation and screening of alternatives, review a preliminary schematic of the Preferred Build Alternative and to provide input. As a result of input received at the public meetings, TxDOT revised the schematic to accommodate requests and lessen impacts.
TxDOT is working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Burlington North Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to conduct the EA. Coordination with FHWA and USACE is required to avoid impacts to the Ray Roberts Fee Area and to analyze the proposed BNSF rail realignment. As a result, two new rail realignment alternatives are being carried forward for further analysis. TxDOT is currently working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and their consultant to determine the preferred route of the railroad relocation. A meeting to present to the public and collect comments on the proposed changes in the realignment of the BNSF rail line within the Valley View section of the I-35 improvements will be held on Sept. 28, 2017. In addition, the agency will be presenting and collecting comments on the proposed changes in access at 3rd Street in Valley View, Texas.
Once the FHWA approves the Draft EA, a public hearing will occur to solicit comments from the public. A Final EA addressing all comments will be prepared with an expected Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This process is expected to be complete by early 2018 with the railroad relocation planned to begin in the spring of 2019.
Next Steps
TxDOT currently has four survey firms developing property descriptions along the corridor for the proposed right of way (ROW). Additionally, TxDOT is in the process of hiring a consultant to prepare detailed plans for the section from FM 3002 to 0.2 miles south of US 82. TxDOT has earmarked funding in 2021 for the portion of I-35 south of US 82/Gainesville, but the Wichita Falls District is working to have a stretch of I-35 from 0.2 miles south of US 82 to 1.4 miles South of Spring Creek Road ready by 2019 should funding become available. Dates and timing of construction are subject to change if environmental clearance, ROW acquisition, utility relocation, or railroad relocation are not completed on time or funding does not become available as anticipated.
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Contact Us
TxDOT Project Manager
1601 SW Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX 76302-4906
(940) 720-7700
Email
Study Team Project Manager
Robb H. Fishman, AICP/REM
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
5995 Rogerdale Road
Houston, TX 77072
(832) 351-7234
Email
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