Notice of Draft Environmental Assessment and Virtual Public Hearing with In-Person Option - US 69 Corridor: Gateway to the Big Thicket

The proposed project includes the following improvements:

• Widen and improve US 69 from FM 1003 (north of Kountze) to FM 1943 (near Warren) in Hardin and Tyler Counties to a four-lane, divided roadway with shoulders, an evacuation lane on the northbound lanes, and a median; the existing roadway includes a two-lane, undivided roadway with shoulders and no median
• Design the roadway to add two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction
• Design the roadway to include four-foot inside shoulders, a 10-foot outside shoulder on the southbound lanes, and a 12-foot outside shoulder on the northbound lanes that serve as a hurricane evacuation lane; hurricane evacuation lanes are roadway shoulders that may be used as travel lanes during times of significant congestion such as during mandatory evacuations
• Extend the existing 10-foot hike-and-bike trail along the entire length of the project limits to improve potential connectivity to the existing hike-and-bike trails within the Big Thicket National Preserve

The existing right-of-way (ROW) width is typically 100 feet wide but varies up to 120 feet wide in limited locations. The proposed ROW width would be approximately 300 feet wide. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional ROW and potentially displace five residences and two other non-residential structures. Please review the landowner's rights publications, which contain more information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program concerning services and benefits for displaced persons and businesses if needed.

To participate in the virtual public hearing, review the video on this page starting Nov. 19, 2020, by 4 p.m., and/or participate and provide your comment in the following ways:

In-person option:

• TxDOT is also providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online
• In-person attendees will be able to view the same pre-recorded presentation available online, review project materials on-screen, ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants from a socially distanced approach, and leave written comments
• The in-person option will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, and Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. at the TxDOT Beaumont District Office, 8350 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708
• Attendance at the in-person option will be by appointment only; individuals wishing to attend the in-person optional appointment must call (512) 560-5108 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to make an appointment
• In recognition of COVID-19, enhanced safety measures will be applied at the in-person option, including a requirement to wear a face mask, submit to a temperature check prior to entry, have an appointment, and follow social distancing practices; if anyone arrives without an appointment, they may be asked to wait outside to ensure we maintain appropriate occupancy within the hearing space

Verbal Testimony:

• Leave a recorded voicemail with your verbal testimony starting on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, at 5 p.m.; you can leave a voicemail at any time until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at 409-402-0151

Written Comments:

• Deadline: Submit written comments on or before 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020:
  • Email: bmtprojects@txdot.gov
  • Website: Submit your comment online
  • Mail: TxDOT Project Manager, 8350 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77708

TxDOT has created basic instructions in an effort to help the public understand the basics of participating in a virtual public meeting/hearing. Before viewing the video presentation, click on the link below to read through the instructions.

• Instructions for Viewing a Pre-Recorded Presentation
• Instructions for Viewing a Pre-Recorded Presentation (Español)

For full screen, please visit our YouTube page.

• Notice
• Notice (Español)
• Comment Card
• Comment Card (Tarjeta de Comentario)
• Draft Environmental Assessment
• Presentation and Script
• Public Hearing Summary Report
• Schematics and Renderings
  • US 69 Schematic – from FM 1003 to 0.3 Miles North of Post Oak Road
  • US 69 Schematic – from 0.3 Miles North of Post Oak Road to 0.3 Miles North of CR 1920
  • US 69 Schematic – from 0.3 Miles North of CR 1920 to FM 1943
  • US 69 Animation Video
• Technical Reports:
  • Biology
    • Species Analysis Form
    • Species Analysis Spreadsheet
    • Tier 1 Form
    • Farmland
  • Community Impact Assessment Form
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Historic Resources
  • Indirect Impacts
  • Cumulative Impacts
  • Air Quality
  • Traffic Noise Report
  • Water Resources:
    • Water Analysis
    • Wetland Delineation Report