Notice Affording Opportunity for a Public Hearing - SH 31
Purpose:
The purpose of this notice is to afford opportunity for a public hearing and review the draft environmental assessment regarding proposed improvements to SH 31 from Loop 323 in the city of Tyler to FM 1639 in Gregg County, Texas. Comments or request for a public hearing must be submitted in writing on or before Monday, August 24, 2020.
Description:
The proposed project would reconstruct and widen SH 31 from a two-lane to four-lane facility, with opposing traffic separated by either a flush or depressed median. The flush median serves as a two-way left-turn lane from Loop 323, east to County Road (CR) 279 in Smith County. The depressed-median section begins near CR 279, continuing east to CR 245 in Smith County. The roadway converts back to a flush-median section from CR 245, east to FM 1639 in Gregg County. The proposal utilizes curb-and-gutter in urbanized areas, and redesigns the roadway alignment to improve safety and meet current design criteria.
The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right-of-way and potentially displace 41 residences and 16 non-residential structures. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for 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 Tyler District Office by calling (903) 510-9100.
The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands and action in floodplains.
The draft Environmental Assessment (EA), maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules and other information regarding the proposed project are available online at the SH 31 project webpage. If you do not have internet access, you may call (903) 510-9157 to ask questions about the project, or to schedule an appointment to access project materials at any time during the project development process. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to accommodate walk-ins and all visitors are required to wear a mask.
Any interested person may submit a written request for a public hearing on this project. Written comments regarding the proposed project are also requested. Written hearing requests and comments may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Tyler District Office, Attn: Advanced Project Development, 2709 W. Front St., Tyler, TX 75702 or by email to the TxDOT Tyler District Office. A hearing will be held if 10 or more individuals submit timely, written requests for a hearing; or if an agency with jurisdiction over the project submits a written request for a hearing, which is supported by reasons why a hearing will be helpful. Responses to comments received will be available on the project webpage, once they have been prepared.
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 December 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Downloads:
Contact:
TxDOT Tyler District
Attn: Advanced Project Development Office
2709 W. Front St.
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 510-9100
Email
Posted: July 24, 2020