Public Hearing - US 77

Where:

Waxahachie Civic Center
2000 Civic Center Lane
Waxahachie, TX 75165

When:

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017
Open House 6 p.m. with presentation at 7 p.m.

Purpose:

TxDOT wants to solicit public comment on the proposed improvements to widen and reconstruct US 77 from south of FM 66 to north of McMillan Street in Ellis County, Texas, a distance of approximately 0.8 mile. Displays will be available for viewing at 6 p.m. with the formal hearing starting at 7 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to present the planned improvements and to receive public comment on the proposed project.

Description:

The proposed project involves demolition and replacement of the existing US 77 viaduct with a northbound bridge and construction of a new parallel bridge to the west of the viaduct for southbound traffic. The project also involves reconstruction of the existing US 77 (Elm Street) and Monroe Street to provide a couplet system that would tie into the proposed bridges. Both bridges would cross over a linear park (Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail).

The proposed project would require approximately 3.8 acres of new right of way (ROW), and the acquisition of 0.14 acre of driveway easements. The proposed project would displace five commercial structures. No residential structures would be displaced.

As part of this project, the city of Waxahachie is considering a Section 4(f) de minimis impact determination for impacts to Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail. An approximate 0.42 acre strip of land located west of the existing bridge would be required for permanent incorporation into the proposed transportation facility. The viaduct improvements will result in a slight re-alignment (from curved to straight) of approximately 175 feet of sidewalk and removal of a few mature woody trees. A Section 4(f) de minimis finding means that the proposed project would not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that qualify the Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail for protection under Section 4(f). The City of Waxahachie and TxDOT will consider comments received during this public hearing before making final Section 4(f) de minimis determination.

Verbal and written comments from the public regarding the project are requested and may be presented at the hearing, or submitted in person or by mail to the TxDOT Dallas District Office. Comments must be received on or before Feb. 9, 2017, to be part of the official hearing record.

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 Dec. 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.

Downloads:

Contact:

TxDOT Dallas District
Public Information Office
(214) 320-4480
Email