Notice of Draft Environmental Assessment and Virtual Public Hearing with In-Person Option - US 271 and Loop 485 from FM 16 north to Upshur County Line

Where:

The virtual public hearing and in-person option dates and times indicated below.

When:

The virtual public hearing will be available beginning Thursday, May 20, 2021, through Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

Comments received by Friday, June 4, 2021, will be included in the official hearing record.

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 online public hearing, which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff from a socially distanced approach, and leave written comments.  The in-person option will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at TxDOT Tyler District Office, 2709 W. Front St., Tyler, TX 75702.  Attendance at the in-person option will be by appointment only.  Individuals wishing to attend the in-person option must call (903) 510-9100 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 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 a 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 hearing room.

Purpose:

TxDOT is holding a public hearing to discuss improvements to US 271 and Loop 485 from FM 16 in Smith County, Texas, north to the Upshur County line. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements on the US 271 and Loop 485 project. 

Description:

The proposed project would reconstruct and widen approximately 10 miles of US 271 and Loop 485 from two-lanes to four-lanes, with opposing traffic separated by either a 76-foot depressed median, or a 16-foot flush median. The depressed-median section would begin at FM 16 in Smith County, continuing north to SH 135. The flush median would serve as a continuous two-way left-turn lane along Loop 485, continuing north along US 271 to the Upshur County line. The proposed project would incorporate 6- foot sidewalks and curb-and-gutter along the US 271 section north of Loop 485, and include space for a 12-foot multi-use path inside Loop 485 to be developed in the future. The proposed project redesigns US 271 and Loop 485 alignment to meet current design criteria. 

How to Make a Comment:

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

Verbal Testimony

Leave a recorded voicemail at (903) 200-1700 with your verbal testimony from May 20, 2021 through June 4, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Access to this line is available 24-hours a day.

Written Comments

Submit a comment card by mail to:

TxDOT Tyler District
Attention: APD
2709 W. Front St.
Tyler, TX 75702

Or by email, as described in the Public Hearing Notice.

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 Tyler District Office at (903) 510-9100 no later than 4 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2021.

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.

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