Notice Affording Opportunity for Public Hearing – FM 521 (Almeda Road)

This project was initially evaluated with a State Environmental Assessment and a public hearing was conducted; however, based on the recent inclusion of federal funding, this document has been prepared in accordance with the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. No design modifications have occurred since the previous public hearing held on May 7, 2015.

FM 521 is a two-lane undivided roadway with an existing right-of-way (ROW) width of 100 feet. The existing intersection of FM 521 and FM 2234 is an at-grade crossing. FM 2234 is a four-lane roadway with raised medians and a ROW width of approximately 170 feet. FM 2234 currently has an at-grade crossing with the Union Pacific Railroad.

• Reconstruction and widening of FM 521 to a four-lane divided urban arterial from Beltway 8 to 0.3 mile south of FM 2234
• Improvements to FM 2234 from 0.3 mile west of FM 521 to 0.2 miles east of FM 521.
• Grade separation at Union Pacific crossings on FM 2234 and FM 521.
  

The purpose of this proposed action is to expand capacity to enhance mobility, improve safety, improve railroad/local traffic crossings and accommodate population and economic growth, while minimizing impacts to the natural and social environment. Approximately 13.2 acres of additional ROW would be required for the proposed project, resulting in one potential commercial displacement.

The proposed project would require acquisition of public land designated and used as a nature preserve/park. A total of 1.67 acres out of 45.75 acres of Almeda Road Nature Preserve would be acquired. On March 13, 2015, Harris County Precinct 1, owner of the nature preserve, concurred with TxDOT’s 4(f) De Minimis finding regarding impacts to property.

Exhibits showing aerial photography and schematic plans for the proposed project corridor, environmental document, tentative construction schedule and other information relative to the project are on file and available by appointment for review Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. excluding city, and state holidays at the TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77007. To schedule an appointment at the Houston District please contact Pat Nwachukwu, P.E., at (713) 802-5961.

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

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