Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) - US 69 Gateway to the Big Thicket

Purpose:

This notice advises the public that a final environmental assessment is available for public review, and TxDOT has issued a finding of no significant impact for the proposed US 69 Gateway to the Big Thicket project in Tyler and Hardin Counties, Texas.

Description:

The US 69 Gateway to the Big Thicket project proposed improvements would improve the roadway to include two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, four-foot inside shoulders and a 10-foot outside shoulder on the southbound lanes, and a 12-foot outside shoulder on the northbound lanes that would also serve as an “evaculane” along U.S. 69 from 0.1 miles south of Black Creek to Hardin County Line and from Tyler County Line to 0.75 miles south of FM 1003 in Tyler and Hardin Counties, Texas.

In addition to the improved roadways and shoulders, the project would extend the existing 10-foot hike-and-bike trail along the entire length of the project limits, in an effort to improve potential connectivity to the existing hike-and-bike trails within the Big Thicket National Preserve. Three new trailheads and one new parking area would also be constructed. The proposed project would incorporate Context Sensitive Solutions improving awareness of the surrounding resources by use of new, special, monuments and iconic signage identifying the locations of local amenities such as Big Thicket National Preserve and John Henry Kirby State Forest.

The project would require the acquisition of up to 200 feet of right of way, resulting in a new typical right-of-way width of 300 feet and the possible displacement of one commercial and five residential displacement structures. 

Downloads:

• Notice
• Final Environmental Assessment
• FONSI

Contact:

TxDOT Beaumont District
8350 Eastex Freeway
Beaumont, TX 77708
(409) 892-7311
Email

Posted: Oct. 25, 2021