Virtual Public Meeting with In-Person Option - US 281 Military Highway
Where:
The virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 5 p.m.
When:
The virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 5 p.m. and will remain available until Friday, April 23, 2021, at 5 p.m. The meeting will include both audio and visual components. All comments must be postmarked or received on or before Friday, April 23, 2021.
In addition to the virtual public meeting, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in-person instead of online. The in-person option will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendance at the in-person option will be by appointment only.
Purpose:
TxDOT is proposing to reconstruct and widen US Highway 281 (Military Highway) from approximately 0.3 miles west of Farm-to-Market 732 to 0.18 miles west of FM 1421 in Cameron County, Texas. The proposed project activities would consist of reconstructing and widening the existing two-lane rural US 281 (Military Highway) to a four-lane rural highway with a left-turn lane and shoulders.
Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be submitted by mail to the TxDOT Pharr District Office, 600 W. I-2, Pharr, Texas 78577. Written comments may also be submitted by email. All comments must be received on or before Friday, April 23, 2021. Responses to comments received will be available online at once they have been prepared.
Video Presentation - English
Video Presentation - Spanish
Description:
The proposed project roadway width varies from 78 feet to 86 feet. The proposed right of way varies between 121 feet and 146 feet and would require approximately 3.1 acres of new right of way. The proposed roadway would include four 12-foot travel lanes with two travel lanes in each direction and eight-foot shoulders on each side of the roadway. The proposed roadway would also include a 14-foot turning lane. The proposed drainage within the project area would be a roadside open ditch with equalizer culverts beneath the roadway.
The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right of way, and potentially displace two residential outbuildings (car ports) and two commercial structures. No residences are anticipated to be displaced by the proposed project. 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 (956) 702-6287
TxDOT anticipates making a de minimis determination for this use under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Public comments on the effects of the proposed project on the activities, features, or attributes of Esparza-Domanski Community Park may be submitted as described below.
Three wildlife crossing structures are proposed to be constructed beneath the roadway and adjacent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands. The proposed project would involve action in a floodplain.
How to sign up for in-person meeting:
In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation delivered in the online public meeting which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of project staff and consultants from a socially distanced approach, and leave written comments. The in-person option will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the TxDOT San Benito Area Office, 1350 E. Hwy 77, San Benito, Texas 78586. Attendance at the in-person option will be by appointment only. Individuals wishing to attend the in-person option must call (956) 247-3500 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 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 requirement to 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 meeting room.
Special Accommodations:
The virtual public meeting and in-person option will be conducted in English and Spanish. If you need an interpreter or document translator because neither English nor Spanish are your primary languages or you have difficulty communicating effectively in one of these languages, 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 meeting or in-person option, please contact Norma Robledo at the TxDOT Pharr District, at (956) 702-6100 no later than 4 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2021. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.
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 Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Downloads:
Contact: