Virtual Public Hearing and Draft Environmental Assessment Available for Review with In-Person Option - SL 195 from FM 755 to US 83
Where:
The virtual public hearing will be available at the date and time below.
Instructions for viewing a pre-recorded public hearing presentation.
Instrucciones para ver la presentacion de una audiencia publica previamente grabada
When:
The virtual public hearing will be posted on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at 3 p.m. and will be available through Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020.
Purpose:
The Pharr District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) proposes to construct a new-location relief route in Starr County between Rio Grande City and Roma. This notice advises the public that a draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review and TxDOT will be conducting an online virtual public hearing on the proposed project with an in-person option. All comments must be postmarked or received on or before Oct.1, 2020.
Description:
The proposed project is a new-location reliever route. FM 755 (the eastern terminus) is a two-lane undivided roadway, and US 83 (the western terminus) has two lanes in each direction with a center left-turn lane. The proposed SL 195 project would connect these two existing roadways.
The proposed project would entail the construction of a new-location four-lane divided highway, connecting FM 755 to US 83. The new roadway’s typical section would have two 12-foot vehicle travel lanes in each direction and a grassy median; the roadway would expand to include left-turn lanes at the at-grade intersections with existing roadways and at the turn-around locations provided along the alignment. The roadway would have four-foot inside shoulders and 10-foot outside shoulders within a typical 300-foot-wide right of way. There would be an overpass approach at the intersection with US 83/Loma Blanca Road. In the areas with future overpasses, the right-of-way would increase to 450 feet wide to accommodate future main lanes over the intersection. The overpass approach at US 83/Loma Blanca Road would have two 12-foot vehicle travel lanes in each direction with 17-foot inside shoulders and 10-foot outside shoulders. The proposed project would also include improvements to FM 3167 and FM 649. At these locations, the cross streets would be widened to provide a travel lane and left-turn lane in each direction, for a length of 285 feet within the intersection.
The proposed project would require approximately 667.01 acres of new right of way. Potential displacements include one commercial, five residential, and seven other structures that appear to be non-habitable sheds or other outbuildings located adjacent to residences. Relocation assistance is available for those displaced through TxDOT’s Relocation Assistance Program. The relocation process would be conducted according to the Title II and Title III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Information about the benefits, services and Right of Way Acquisition schedule can be obtained by calling the TxDOT District Office at (956) 702-6110.
How to Sign Up for In-Person Hearing:
Additionally, TxDOT is 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 presentation delivered in the virtual public hearing which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants from a socially distanced approach, and leave written comments. Individuals wishing to attend the in-person option must call (956) 702-6246 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to make an appointment.
The in-person option will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the TxDOT Pharr District Office, 600 W. I-2, Pharr, TX 78577 and on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the TxDOT Roma Area Office, 2654 US 83, Roma, TX 78584. The same information will be presented at both locations. Attendance at the in-person option will be by appointment only. In recognition of COVID-19, enhanced safety measures will be applied at the in-person option.
Special Accommodations:
The virtual public hearing and in-person option will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, 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 hearing or in-person option, please contact the TxDOT at (956)702-6161 no later than Sept. 12, 2020. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the 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: