US 281 Military Highway from FM 732 to FM 1421

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. 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 facility would include four 12-foot travel lanes with two travel lanes in each direction and 8-foot shoulders on each side of the roadway. The proposed roadway facility would also include a 14-foot turn 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 (carports) and two commercial structures. No residential displacements would occur as a result of 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 Horacio Elizondo, Jr., at 956-702-6350.

The proposed project would acquire right of way from Don Jose Esparza Park at the intersection of FM 1577 and US 281 (Military Highway). A total of 0.0725 acres of the park property adjacent to the US 281 (Military Highway) right of way would be required to construct the proposed improvements. No recreational structures associated with the park will be impacted. Don Jose Esparza is a neighborhood park with an outdoor pool, basketball court, picnic tables, and shade trees. TxDOT anticipates making a de minimis determination for this use under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Public comment on the effects of the proposed project on the activities, features, or attributes of Don Jose Esparza Park may be submitted as described below. This public hearing also satisfies the requirements of Chapter 26 of the Parks and Wildlife Code.

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 and involve an action in a floodplain.

• Notice
• Aviso
• Presentation slides with script
• Diapositivas de presentación con guión
• Fact sheet
• Hoja informativa
• Project location map
• Exhibit boards
• Schematic 1
• Schematic 2
• Schematic 3
• Schematic 4
• Comment card/Tarjeta de comentarios

How to make a Comment

For both the virtual public hearing and the in-person option, the public may provide comments in the following ways:

Verbal Comments
Members of the public may call 956-215-8305 to provide verbal testimony immediately following the conclusion of the virtual public hearing presentation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, through 11:59 pm on Friday, October 28, 2022

Written Comments

• Mail:
  Downloadable comment card
  TxDOT Pharr District Office
  600 W. I-2
  Pharr, Texas 78577
  
• Email: as mentioned in the Notice