US 69 Corridor - Gateway to the Big Thicket Segment
This US 69 Corridor segment is between FM 1943 near Warren and FM 1003 in Kountze and is known as the "US 69 Gateway to the Big Thicket." The public is encouraged to visit the US 69 Corridor project page for more background about other potential segment areas in the Beaumont District area.
Project benefits
The approved construction project is anticipated to improve safety and mobility along US 69 during emergency evacuations by reducing the number of conflict points and providing better access.
Project improvements
The approved construction project includes the following improvements:
- Widen and improve US 69 from FM 1943 (near Warren) to FM 1003 (north of Kountze) in Hardin and Tyler Counties to a four-lane, divided roadway with shoulders, an evacuation lane on the northbound lanes, and a median - the existing roadway includes a two-lane, undivided roadway with shoulders and no median
- Design the roadway to add two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction
- Design the roadway to include four-foot inside shoulders, a 10-foot outside shoulder on the southbound lanes and a 12-foot outside shoulder on the northbound lanes that serves as a hurricane evacuation lane. Hurricane evacuation lanes are roadway shoulders that may be used as travel lanes during times of significant congestion such as during mandatory evacuations
The project would also extend the existing 10-foot hike-and-bike trail along the entire length of the project limits, in an effort to improve potential connectivity to the existing hike-and-bike trails within the Big Thicket National Preserve. Three new trailheads and one new parking area would also be constructed. The proposed project would incorporate Context Sensitive Solutions improving awareness of the surrounding resources by use of monument signage to identify local amenities such as Big Thicket National Preserve and John Henry Kirby State Forest. Public input from the open house, public hearing and interactive online survey have been considered and incorporated into the project design where appropriate.
The existing right of way width is typically 100 feet wide but varies up to 120 feet wide in limited locations. The project would require the acquisition of up to 200 feet of right of way, resulting in a new typical right-of-way width of 300 feet and the possible displacements of one commercial and five residential structures. Please review the landowner's rights publications, which contains more information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program concerning services and benefits for displaced persons and businesses if needed.
Summary of key project changes
Since the Final Environmental Assessment was issued, project changes include:
- TxDOT will enhance landscaping and add signage at Village Creek in lieu of an aesthetic bridge feature due to funding.
- TxDOT will provide a standard trail bridge in lieu of an arched trail bridge, due to rising material costs.
- TxDOT will provide nine monuments at key locations to communicate the significance of the US 69 corridor; quantity and size of monuments have been reduced given rising material costs.
- In keeping with the revised TxDOT Design Manual to clear obstacles in the right of way, such as landscaping, TxDOT will clear the median and portions of the right of way removing trees and shrubbery. TxDOT recommends a roadside free of unyielding obstacles including landscaping for increased safety and reduce the extent of damage and injury of single vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes.
Next steps
- Complete environmental review - Fall 2021
- Clearing utility relocation corridor - Fall 2022
- Finalize design and construction plans - Early 2023
- Complete right-of-way acquisition - Late 2023
- Anticipated construction begins - Fall 2024
- Construction complete - Estimated end of 2016
Get involved
- Oct. 25, 2022 - Virtual Construction Update Meeting
- Oct. 14, 2021 - Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact
- Nov. 19, 2020 - Virtual Public Hearing with In-Person Option
- Feb. 19, 2019 - Open House
The public may subscribe for study updates, check the Beaumont District Twitter page and contact the Beaumont District Office with questions.
Downloads
- US 69 Beaumont District Corridor Map
- US 69 Corridor Gateway to the Big Thicket Segment Location Map
- Project Newsletter #1
- Project Newsletter #2
- Landowner's rights publications
- Context Sensitive Solutions Workshops: