US 96 from Recreational Road (RE) 255 to Loop 149
Draft Environmental Assessment available and virtual public hearing with in-person option
Virtual: Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT through 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026
In-person: Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. CT
| Public comment deadline | Comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2026 to be included in the official public hearing record. |
| Virtual details | The virtual public hearing presentation and hearing materials will be posted on this page Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. |
| In-person details | Thursday, April 23, 2026 Note: The in-person option will be held in open house format with no formal presentation. In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation delivered in the virtual public hearing, which will be playing on a screen; review hard copies of project materials; ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants; and leave written comments. |
| Purpose | The purpose of the public hearing is to present the proposed project, engage with the community and gather feedback on the Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed reconstruction and widening of US 96 from RE 255 to Loop 1490 in Jasper and Sabine counties, Texas. |
| Description | The proposed project includes reconstructing and widening approximately seven miles of US 96 from Recreational Road (RE) 255 to Loop 149 in Jasper and Sabine counties, Texas. The proposed project would reconstruct and widen US 96 from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided highway with a grassy median and add sidewalks and pedestrian facilities where necessary. The proposed project would enhance a critical hurricane evacuation route, upgrade roadway safety features, improve access to and from Southeast Texas ports and accommodate a projected 52.78% increase in freight traffic by 2053. The existing right of way (ROW) width is approximately 120 feet, and the proposed project would require a width of up to 450 feet. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right of way and potentially displace two residences and five (four active and one vacant) non-residential structures. 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 right-of-way acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT district office by calling 409-898-5805. The proposed project would involve an action in a floodplain. |
| Accessibility | The virtual public hearing and in-person option will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public hearing or in-person option, please contact the TxDOT Beaumont District at 409-898-5745 or via email as shown in the notice no later than 4 p.m. CT Monday, April 21, 2026. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the Texas Department of Transportation to arrange. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo en inglés. Si usted necesita un intérprete o un traductor de documentos porque su idioma principal no es el inglés o tiene alguna dificultad para comunicarse eficazmente en inglés, se le proporcionará uno. Si usted tiene alguna discapacidad y necesita ayuda, se pueden hacer arreglos especiales para atender la mayoría de las necesidades. Si usted necesita servicios de interpretación o traducción o usted es una persona con alguna discapacidad que requiera una adaptación para asistir a y participar en la audiencia pública por favor póngase en contacto con al Beaumont District, al número 409-898-5745 o por correo electrónico, tal y como se indica en el aviso a más tardar a más tardar a las 4 p.m. hora central, lunes, 21 de abril de 2026. Por favor sepa que es necesario dar aviso con anticipación, ya que algunos servicios y adaptaciones pueden requerir tiempo para que TxDOT los organice. |
| Hearing materials | |
| How to make a comment | Please provide your comments in any of the following ways:
Comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2026, to be included in the official public hearing record. |
| 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 July 17, 2025, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. |
Posted: March 23, 2026