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TxDOT hearing April 28
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is having a virtual hearing April 28 to discuss proposed projects in Beaumont and Jefferson County. Members of the public are invited to view the hearing and make comments on or before May 13.
The purpose of the virtual public hearing is to gather public input on the proposed reconstruction and widening of I-10, from Walden Road (CR 131) to 7th Street and US 69 from Fannett Road (SH 124) to 11th Street in Jefferson County, Texas. A pre-recorded presentation and comment opportunity will be posted on the online hearing notice page starting April 28 by 5:30 p.m. TxDOT also advised that a draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review. Comments must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, to be a part of the official virtual public hearing record.
The proposed project includes the following improvements:
Widening I-10 from Walden Road (CR131) to 7th Street and widening US 69 from Fannett Road (SH 124) to 11th Street;
Widening I-10 in each direction from four to five lanes between Cardinal Drive and Eastex Freeway interchanges;
Widening roadway approaches to the Cardinal Drive and Eastex Freeway interchanges on I-10 and US 69 would be widened in each direction from two lanes to three lanes;
Adding new frontage roads for continuity, relocating I-10 ramps, and constructing two-lane direct connectors (flyovers) in each direction where I-10 and US 69 converge;
Removing the Maury Meyers Bridge (Liberty/Laurel overpass) to address a height constraint for freight movements;
Upgrading drainage to meet current design standards.
The total project length is approximately 5 miles. The existing right of way (ROW) at the Eastex Freeway interchange varies from approximately 250 feet to 350 feet. Existing ROW at the Cardinal interchange varies from approximately 290 feet to 450 feet.
Approximately 11 acres of additional ROW is anticipated as part of the proposed project, mostly within the Eastex Freeway interchange, including potential easements or ROW for drainage. The ROW would remain unchanged at the Cardinal Drive interchange, but the ROW at the Eastex Freeway interchange is proposed to increase approximately 250 feet at its widest part. The proposed project would displace 41 commercial businesses and one government office within 12 commercial properties. No residential displacements are anticipated. Please review the landowner's rights publications, which contain more information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program concerning services and benefits for displaced persons and businesses if needed.
To participate in the virtual public hearing, review the video on this page starting April 28, and provide your comment in the following ways:
Verbal Testimony:
Callers may leave a recorded voicemail with verbal testimony starting on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m.; callers can leave a voicemail at any time until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. The phone number is (409) 898-5880.
Written comments may be submitted the following ways:
Email: bmtprojects@txdot.gov;
Website: Submit your comment online at www.txdot.gov/contact-us/form.html?id=bmt-email; or
Mail: TxDOT Project Manager, 8350 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77708.
Comments and verbal testimony voicemails must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, to be a part of the official virtual public hearing record.
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.